A YEAR OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2019 has been a year of growth and inspiration for our mission, and we are grateful for the support that you have provided. We have strengthened our connections with young people in our rural areas, grown the market share of our non-profit online farmers market, and continued to offer programs that educate the public about the importance of maintaining our rural culture and heritage. Along the way, we also enjoyed two sold-out fundraising events that were as enjoyable as they were productive. It was a good year, and we look forward to building on those successes in 2020.

WORKING WITH LOCAL YOUTH

This was a year of reconnection and expansion in working with rural students in Central Virginia. We continued our work with the Hand-to-Hand Program at Byrd Elementary School in Goochland. Every year, we contribute to this very worthy program. This year, with the help of Dave Booth, Culinary Arts teacher at Goochland High School, we expanded our programming to include the Culinary Arts classes at his school. The Center for Rural Culture provided tomatoes for their canning class through the Pounds of Plenty program, a feature of Fall Line Farms and Local Roots, our non-profit online farmers market. Pounds of Plenty allows members to give locally raised eggs and produce to food pantries near them. Our Marketing Director, Katie Hoffman, also visited Dave’s classes on behalf of the CRC and spent a day teaching the students to ferment sauerkraut and talking with them about other traditional rural foods. We’re excited that Dave has agreed to come on board as our Education Committee Chair, and we look forward to seeing what his leadership will bring in 2020.

FALL LINE FARMS AND LOCAL ROOTS:

OUR NON-PROFIT ONLINE FARMERS MARKET

Fall Line Farms and Local Roots has done very well this year. True to our mission, we are supporting small farms in Central Virginia by providing a sales outlet for them that gives each farmer a greater financial return. According to our producers, selling through Fall Line Farms and Local Roots is financially advantageous in a number of ways, including decreasing waste. This market has a direct impact on preserving Central Virginia’s rural landscape and culture by serving the small farms we all seek as neighbors. Having a dedicated Marketing and Promotions Director has also made a big difference in 2019. Sales for the market have been up over 20% so far this year. We have added several new producers and pick-up locations, and we have some exciting announcements coming in January, too! With your support, Fall Line Farms and Local Roots has engaged even more producers, customers, and farmers in the economic commerce that sustains the rural character of our neighborhoods. Thank you!

HOMESTEAD SERIES

The homestead series continues to educate the public on issues and practices that open minds to conserving natural resources and community engagement. Nationally acclaimed writer Max Watman joined us at Rassawek during the annual Spring Jubilee to offer readings from his books on local food and talk with the crowd. He also gave a Homestead Series program on making your own tinctures, shrubs, bitters, and infusions. Other Homestead Series classes included woodlot management and beekeeping. 

AN INVITATION TO JOIN US IN 2020

Our board welcomes your support of our non-profit organization. If open space, local markets, sustainable living, and the natural environment are important to you, then we invite you to join us in 2020. Our goals are to increase market membership, broaden our Homestead Series topics and expand our education programs to reach more youth. Whatever your skills and experience, we welcome them! Come serve on a committee, volunteer for Fall Line Farms and Local Roots, or help with one of our events and classes. Of course, your financial support is equally important.

We wish all of our past and present members, supporters, and volunteers a happy holiday season and a prosperous 2020. Your generosity has allowed us to have a positive impact here in central Virginia. We look forward to working with you in the coming year! 

Sincerely,

Catherine Fleischman

President of the Board

The Center for Rural Culture

To learn more about how you can donate to or volunteer with the Center for Rural Culture, click here. To learn more about our non-profit online farmers market and become a member, click here.