VABF Virginia Association for Biological Farming

12/08/2025

We are thrilled to have Bonnetta Adeeb as our 2026 conference Keynote speaker. Join us January 9-11. Register at vabf.org

12/03/2025

JOIN US during our annual conference January 10 along with and to engage in a panel discussion and a networking social. Both educational and practical, this event will bring together growers and buyers from all production approaches. Register today to build relationships and expand markets. This event is free and open to regional buyers and growers. Head to rodaleinstitute.org/events to register.

11/19/2025

Don’t miss out!! Organic farming and seed production conference in Norfolk, VA on November 24. Featuring 8 sessions in 2 tracks and a farmer listening session. Seed track with Ujaama and Ira Wallace Seed School. Organic growing track with TOPP (Transition to Organic Partnership Program).

10/15/2025

Please join us on Monday, October 20th from 3-6pm for a beautiful afternoon at Foggy Ridge Cider.

For more information or if you are interested in carpooling, contact Becki DeRusseau at [email protected].

09/14/2025

08/27/2025

Better hurry! The deadline to submit an abstract for our 26th Annual Virginia Biological Farming Conference is August 31st! Click here to find out more details 👉 https://vabf.org/conference/become-a-speaker/

07/23/2025

One week left to apply! "Be the Link Between Your Agricultural Community & the USDA" - Nomination forms must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug 1, 2025.

Nominations are being accepted for farmers and ranchers to serve on local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally.

Learn more:

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2025 – Nominations are now being accepted for farmers and ranchers to serve on local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomin...

07/20/2025

Forest Farming Design Intensive – August 14-15, Syria, Virginia
Details: https://events.humanitix.com/forest-farming-201-design-intensive

Are you ready to deepen your roots in the world of forest farming and empower landowners across Virginia? Join us for this 2-day immersive training tailored for those who guide and support land managers. This program is designed to equip you with the tools, insights, and confidence to advise on the stewardship and profitability of forest-based agricultural systems. Featuring: Classroom instruction with experts, presentations by forest farmers, hands-on activities, technical field exercises, and interactive design activities.

** Pre-requisite requirements include completion of the forest farming online module, attendance of a Forest Farming 101 Fundamentals course, or equivalent experience. The online module is free and a coupon code will be provided upon registration. **

Time: August 14 at 9:30 am – August 15 at 3:00 pm

Location: Graves Mountain Lodge, 205 Graves Mountain Lane, Old Blue Ridge Turnpike, Syria, VA 22743

To Register (required): Register Today! https://events.humanitix.com/forest-farming-201-design-intensive

Cost: Free

This event will happen rain or shine!

Register on Humanitix - Forest Farming 201: Design Intensive. Graves Mountain Lodge, 205 Graves Mountain Ln, Syria, VA 22743, USA. Thursday August 14th 2025. Find event information.

07/19/2025

Managing w**ds, increasing yield, improving soil health & cutting irrigation costs with locally available chipped wood mulch!

"To help farmers better manage w**d pests, Patrick Johnson of Neighborly Affiliations for Naturally Idealized Health (NANIH) Farm received a Southern SARE Producer grant to study the efficacy of using wood chip mulch as a w**d suppressant in a market-vegetable production system.
.. Johnson’s research demonstrated that covering soil with wood chip mulch effectively controlled w**ds. As an added benefit, the mulch also reduced moisture evaporation and contributed to steady soil hydration, which ultimately improved Johnson’s yields."

In Virginia, using chipped wood for mulch can help manage w**ds while increasing yield and cutting irrigation costs.

07/17/2025

Join us now as an early supporting Sponsor of the 26th Annual Virginia Biological Farming Conference!

This year, more than ever, we are asking for your support to secure and grow the future of VABF and the Virginia Biological Farming Conference. Enjoy promotional benefits from now until the Conference in January 2026.

Check out the New VABF Sponsor Packet:
https://vabf.org/conference/sponsor-and-exhibitor-opportunities/

07/16/2025

Join us as a Speaker for the 26th Annual Virginia Biological Farming Conference January 9th – 11th, 2026 at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center! vabf.org/conference/become-a-speaker/

Proposals are due by 8/15/25 for both:

🌱Pre-Conference Workshops
··· Half & Full Day Intensives on Friday, 1/9

🌾Conference Sessions
··· 90 Minute Sessions on Saturday-Sunday, 1/10-1/11

Apply today! https://vabf.org/conference/become-a-speaker/

07/15/2025

Interested in Organic? Watch the replay of OFRS's Webinar "Organic Research Updates: Pest Management, Diversified Cropping Systems, and Soil Organic Carbon"

Watch: https://ofrf.org/news/sharing-the-latest-organic-research-with-nrcs/

From the Organic Farming Research Foundation:
"Rebecca Champagne, OFRF’s Conservation Scientist, and Mark Schonbeck, OFRF Research Associate, led a webinar for NRCS to accompany the research summary. Held on June 17, the webinar dove into select topics from the research summary including organic pest management, diversified cropping systems, vegetable transplants, and soil organic carbon.

Questions that were fielded from participants related to the effects of anaerobic soil disinfestation on microbial communities, economic comparisons of mulch systems, and the benefits of hedgerows."

Written by Rebecca Champagne, PhD, OFRF Conservation Scientist Each year, as part of our Cooperative Agreement with the USDA National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) publishes a research summary and holds webinars on various organic topics to hel...