Hot Topics

• USDA Farm Service Agency is currently accepting applications for the Corona Virus Food Assistance Program. The program offers payments on commodities that suffered a price decrease of 5% or greater due to the impacts of COVID-19. Categories include, Livestock, Specialty Crops (Fruits, Vegetables, Misc.) and Non-Specialty Crops (Corn, Soybeans, etc). Contact Jack Johnston for more info. jack.johnston@usda.com or 540-347-4402 ext. 2 FSA_CFAP2_General_Fact Sheet-2020  Application
• VDACS announces USDA to Administer Hemp Program in Virginia.  Click here for frequently asked questions and how to apply. 
• Due to Covid-19, The Fauquier County Agricultural Development Department is sad to announce that the Fall Farm Tour has been cancelled for this October. Stay tuned for a new date.  
• Our Fauquier Fresh Brochure is available in hardcopy. Please contact us if you are interested in a copy.
• Several webinars are coming soon from CFAP!   
• Farmers: USDA has funds available to help during the coronavirus pandemic. Please see attached links for more information.    www.farmers.gov/cfap   CFAP article 26 May 2020 FACT -Sheet - cfap-general-factsheet 1 FACT Sheet cfap-dairy-producers-factsheet 2 FACT Sheet cfap-for-livestock-factsheet 3 FACT Sheet cfap-non-specialty-crop-producers-factsheet 4 FACT Sheet cfap-specialty-crops-factsheet 5 FACT Sheet cfap-for-wool-producers-factsheet 6 
• Webinar on the PDR Program and Donated Conservation Easements.  
• HomeGrown Labels are available! Please contact our office if need extras or if you would like to start using them. It is a great way to let consumers know that your product is HomeGrown. FREE Advertisement! 540-422-8280 or Raquel.Kines@Fauquiercounty.gov 
• Fauquier County Agricultural Development Dept. would like to announce the opening of our 21st round for the PDR Program. We will be taking applications for the PDR Program from April 1 - June 30, 2020. PDR APPLICATION  For more info on the PDR Program, please see attached. PDR Program Info
• From the Governor: Guidance for Farmers Markets & Guidance for Pick-Your-Own Farms and Individual Farm Stands
• During COVID-19 Pandemic, we would like to remind you to think of our local farmers when shopping for food. Our Fauquier Fresh 2020. provides information on local farms that sell their vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses among other items to citizens! 
• New 2019-2020 Farm Product Directory is here! Call or email for a hardcopy. 540-422-8280 Raquel.Kines@fauquiercounty.gov 
• Have questions about Nonagricultural Fill materials? We have answers! Click here: Nonagricultural Fill FAQs 
•  Information on Virginia Industrial Hemp Research Program is available from the Virginia Department of Agricultural & Consumer Services. Click here for info on the Virginia Industrial Hemp Research Program. Contact Erin Williams (804)786-7157 erin.williams@vdacs.virginia.gov for more information. 
• Regional Food Port Feasibility Study Completed! The Agricultural Development Department coordinated a feasibility study for a Regional Food Port with grant support from USDA, VDACS, The PATH Foundation and Loudoun County. Regional Food Port report.
•  Purchase of Development Rights Brochure is here! PDR Brochure.
• Northern Piedmont Beginning Farmer has current workshops going on and will have new workshops coming soon!  For more information, contact Jim Hankins 540-533-6500 fauquieredfarm@gmail.com 
• Looking to rent your farmland to a Farmer? Looking for land to rent to Farm? Check out our new Fauquier Farm Link Flyer . The Fauquier Farm Link may be able to help you! If you would like to be added to our Fauquier Farm Link Page, at NO COST to you, please fill out our Fillable Application or Call the Agricultural Development Department at 540-422-8280 or email us at Raquel.Kines@fauquiercounty.gov 

• VDACS reimbursement to growers is available up to $750 or 75% of costs for organic certification. Contact: Kent Lewis at VDACS: 804-371-6098. 

• WORKBOOKS AVAILABLE! A workbook to help farmers plan the transition of their farm or forest property from one generation to another is now available from Virginia Cooperative Extension. “Planning the Future of Your Farm: A Workbook Supporting Farm Transfer Decisions.” contains useful information on developing a vision for the future, evaluating your farm resources, farm transfer tools and meeting with professional advisors. Copies are now available at the Agricultural Development Department office. Raquel.Kines@Fauquiercounty.gov 

Fauquier County Departments of Agricultural Development and Community Development undertook an Impact of Agriculture Study in 2013. The study utilized the expertise of the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service to examine the local agricultural economy looking at production trends, value-added production, and agritourism. The study also documents the indirect impacts of agriculture throughout the economy.
Impact of Agriculture Study