Past Events

In August we will be joined by Dr. Kristina Weaver, Associate Director for the Institute for Environmental Negotiation at the University of Virginia. The IEN envisions a world with authentic leaders, healthy communities, and a resilient environment. Their mission is: Empowering communities to create shared solutions.

"Marketing on a Shoestring with the Apple Cart" - Learn how to more effectively market your farm or specialty food business on a limited budget with Barb and Stephanie of The Apple Cart.

Real Local RVA is proud to host it’s 3rd Annual Farm Tour. This year's tour will feature four urban farms located in the city of Richmond, VA with the goal to introduce consumers to urban agriculture farmers right in their own neighborhoods, growing food with four very different missions at the heart of their work. Grab your tickets before September 15th as prices will go up $10!

In October we welcome Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS). Dr. Bronaugh will provide insight into the current issues impacting agriculture and VDACS role to help expand economic development and environmental stewardship. She will also provide an update on the Farm Bill.

Real Local RVA is honored to be the beneficiary of an Ellwood Thompson's 5% Day. 5% Day is an effort to recognize and give back to small organizations that create the backbone of our local community. During 5% days, Ellwoods donates 5% of that day’s sales directly to the chosen organization.

Kevin Jamison is the founder of two bustling cafes in Virginia Beach and Norfolk serving local, seasonal and sustainable fare. Commune was founded on the philosophy that the best tasting food just also happens to be the freshest and healthiest food both for the eater and our environment.

Real Local RVA and VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art are proud to bring Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms to Richmond. Arguably, the most famous farmer in the world, Mr. Salatin is America’s most celebrated pioneer of chemical-free farming. Joel will dive head first into the topic of "Sustainable Abundance." Many people in our culture fear the future’s resource scarcity and political unrest. Veering off this orthodox paranoia, Salatin offers a different possibility with a template that is both attractive and pragmatic. A fundamentally solar-driven, participatory, historically-normal localized, integrated foodscape can bless the whole world with sustainable abundance. The earth is not a reluctant partner that must be wrestled into production, but a benevolent friend rewarding humble human massage. After this performance, you’ll never look at farmland or policy solutions the same way. In fact, you’ll look at the future with inspiration and faith, healing the land one bite at a time.
We would like to thank our sponsors: Chickahomniy Falls, Ellwood Thompson's, Keller Williams|The Egan Team, and C&F Bank.

Richmond has a lot of things growing...Join Beth Furgurson, Executive Director of Real Local RVA, as she moderates a panel of farmers, urban farming supporters, and agricultural sustainability advocates in the Richmond area. Go beyond the soil and vegetables to learn about the programs these leaders are establishing -- everything from facilitating urban greening to connecting small farmers with the much needed resources to mentoring urban agriculture certificate fellows. You'll leave with a greater understanding of the 'what's growing' in Richmond, its impact on our community's health, and how you can support these initiatives!