Events Search and Views Navigation
November 2018
Sustainable Abundance with Joel Salatin at the ICA
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.
December 2018
Business Beyond Banking at Ellwood Thompson’s
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!
Find out more »February 2019
Real Local RVA’s February 2019 Meeting – Farm to Table Panel Discussion
Please join us for our first meeting of 2019!
We are thrilled to bring these five participants in the local food movement together for a discussion on local sourcing in RVA. Moderated by Robey Martin, Richmond's go-to journalist for everything edible, the restaurants will share their approach to local sourcing, and the farmers will discussion their business plans for selling wholesale. You will hear how some of these restaurants and farmers have already worked together, and what they see for the future of Farm to Table dining in Richmond.
Find out more »March 2019
Real Local RVA’s March Meeting – “Community Building with the Spark Mill”
Please join us for a special meeting focused on networking and community building! We’ve all heard the adage, its not what you know, but who you know that matters. How does this translate to the RVA food community?
Find out more »April 2019
Real Local RVA’s April Meeting – “Local Foods, Climate Change, and the Green New Deal”
The local foods movement has created new and better markets for farmers, encouraged the adoption of organic and sustainable farming practices, and helped millions of Americans eat better while reducing the environmental impact of their eating habits. Nevertheless, many farmers and rural communities continue to struggle and the economy as a whole remains tethered to excess consumption, emissions and waste. In the midst of this long-term crisis, a “Green New Deal” has been proposed, nationally and in Virginia. Can the ‘bottom up’ approach that has propelled the rise of local foods shape the development of the Green New Deal, to the benefit of farmers, eaters, small businesses and local communities?
Find out more »May 2019
Real Local RVA’s May Meeting – “Mitigating the Crazy”
Facing a competitive landscape ranging from Uber Eats to in-store meal kits, from global organic imports to cheap chain restaurants in every town, how can local farmers not only survive, but thrive in the coming decade? Farming consultant Ellen Polishuk will offer some answers to the questions we all struggle with: What the heck kind of business are we in, and how can we navigate ever-changing trends? Moreover, why is it so hard to make a profit in farming, and how can we do our best to ensure our success?
Find out more »June 2019
Real Local RVA’s June Meeting – “Women in Food”
Please join us to to celebrate some amazing females from the RVA food scene! This month, we are excited to bring you a panel of RVA Women in Food. The women will discuss the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and what it’s like to be a part of Richmond’s local food system. Moderated by Robey Martin, a food, spirits and culture writer, the panel features four exciting women entrepreneurs.
Find out more »July 2019
Real Local RVA’s July Meeting with Gelati Celesti
Please join us to learn the Gelati Celesti Story from co-owner Steve Rosser. Steve will take us through the details of company growth, how they've built a successful ice cream empire in RVA, and the importance of hiring (and keeping) the right people when it comes to building a successful workplace.
Find out more »5% Day at Ellwood Thompson’s Local Market
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. Want to Volunteer?! We need your help!
Find out more »August 2019
Real Local RVA’s August Meeting with Eat It, Virginia and VA Foodie
Please join us for a special LIVE podcast recording from Eat It, Virginia! with Robey Martin and Scott Wise featuring the founder of VA Foodie Georgiana Dearing.
Find out more »