Even though NOVA is home, the northern Virginia and DC seminar gave me a lot to think about. For me, the visits highlighted conflicting priorities. Making money and feeding people They are not mutually exclusive, but they are sometimes in conflict. Endless Summer Harvest served us the best lettuce I've ever eaten. Wegman's has a… Continue reading Conflicting Priorities
Category: Uncategorized
What are Microgreens?
The Seminar IV trip to Northern Virginia/DC was a unique experience. We learned about the challenges that come with urban agriculture and some of the unexpected benefits of serving an affluent population. We saw both ends of the spectrum in terms of accessibility to nutritious food. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting… Continue reading What are Microgreens?
“Preserving and Promoting”
When I think of Loudoun County Virginia huge mansions, suburbia, and D.C. commuters come to mind. Session IV started off by visiting a place that stuck out like a barn in the city, especially because that's what it was. We started off Seminar IV at the Loudoun Farm and Heritage Museum with a delicious lunch… Continue reading “Preserving and Promoting”
Urban Agriculture – Up Top Acres
Last fall I taught a class on climate change and urban development which focused on climate change impacts and adaptation in urban settings. Emphasis on urban agriculture was among the various adaptation practices employed to mitigate the impacts of climate change and assure food security. Urban agriculture entails the growing of food in an urban… Continue reading Urban Agriculture – Up Top Acres
Ms. Fannon goes to Washington!
I truly enjoyed my visit to Washington D.C. and was proud to know many of the efforts going on to improve our Nation and the community of Washington DC. Visiting the US Capitol was an amazing experience especially getting to see all the wonderful statues of our great leaders. One near and dear to my… Continue reading Ms. Fannon goes to Washington!
Our Nation’s Capitol
Each time I go to Washington D.C., I am reminded of everything our nation has been through in our relatively short history. I sometimes get overwhelmed with a sense of patriotism when standing in the very locations pivotal to United States history. Seeing our nation's capital in March, right when the cherry trees are beginning… Continue reading Our Nation’s Capitol
VALOR Blog #4: Washington DC & NoVA
Last month our VALOR group explored agriculture in Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. It was an educational and eye-opening seminar covering many businesses and policy issues I did not know much about. Our meetings and discussions re-emphasized how important it is for us to tell our stories and be relatable. Although I am technically considered… Continue reading VALOR Blog #4: Washington DC & NoVA
Morning at USDA
VALOR fellows spent a morning at USDA with fellows from Pennsylvania RULE, LEADelaware and Nuffield International. We heard from: Bette Brand, Administrator for Rural Business Service, Acting Administrator for Rural Utilities Service Curt Coccodrilli, State Director for USDA Rural Development in Pennsylvania Ken Barbic, Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations Bill Northey, Under Secretary for Farm… Continue reading Morning at USDA
A Capitol Experience in Richmond
The theme of the January 2019 VALOR seminar in Richmond was “Legislative Advocacy and Policy Development”. We started our seminar at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation headquarters. Kathy Dixon and Norm Hyde provided training and practice on video interview strategies. After receiving tips for success, each member of our class was interviewed on a topic… Continue reading A Capitol Experience in Richmond
Truth in Lobbying
Being engaged in the legislative process can be intimidating. Knowing where to begin, who to contact, and what to say can overwhelm most citizens, causing them to sit on the sidelines while others make decisions for them. The “Truth in Lobbying” session during our Richmond seminar provided excellent advice for our cohort on how to… Continue reading Truth in Lobbying
valeadersor.com 