April 29, 2016

Contact: William Gee, Marketing & Communications Dept., 804-524-5005, wgee@vsu.edu

Small-scale farmers are invited to free USDA/VSU Extension field day June 9

Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University will conduct its annual USDA/VSU Small Farm Berry and Vegetable Field Day on Thursday, June 9, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Free and open to the public, the educational activity will be held on VSU’s Randolph Farm, 4415 River Road, Ettrick.

Beginner and experienced farmers will learn of proven techniques for maximizing profits on limited acreages.  As a bonus, USDA representatives will be available to explain how small farmers can take advantage of governmental programs. Farmers’ market vendors will be able to sign up to accept SNAP and EBT cards as forms of payment.

An outing for the entire family, the field day boasts attractions for youth as well as the youthful. Participants are encouraged to bring their children who are sure to be enlightened by a live milking demonstration. Everyone can visit an array of agricultural vendors and sample farm-raised catfish nuggets.

“This annual event attracts hundreds of small-scale farmers from across the state,” said William Crutchfield, VSU Cooperative Extension Small Farm Outreach Program director. “It’s become so popular because it’s a one-stop-shop kind of event for most of their interests and needs, from networking with other farmers to learning about the latest information on federal and state farm assistance, farming technology, niche crop markets and general how-tos for a wide variety of crops."

Registration is open through June 2. To register for this event, visit [www.agriculture.vsu.edu]www.agriculture.vsu.edu, click on Calendar of Events on the left and then click on the event to register. To register by phone, for more information, or if you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, contact Mark Klingman at (804) 524-5626 /TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event. 

The USDA/VSU Small Farm Berry and Vegetable Field Day is sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture, Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University, Farm Credit, and SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education).

Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments. Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Interim Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.

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