 Photo by Deb Silbert
Preserving Goochland’s rural charm An interview with Lisa Dearden, Executive Director of The Center for Rural Culture
What is sustainable agriculture?
According to Lisa Dearden, the Executive Director of the Center for Rural Culture (CFRC) sustainable agriculture is simply this: What you see now, you will see into perpetuity. It is preserving the land, and the way we use the land, for our children, and our children’s children.
“The main mission of the CFRC is to sustain the rural culture of community, by educating, promoting and inspiring…”
Inspiring what?
An appreciation, and understanding, of the natural beauty we have here in Goochland, of, as Dearden describes it, “the forest, the trees, the rolling green hills.”
“We’re not against development—but we want to help people understand sustainable development,” she said. “We love the rural character in this county, and want to keep it, for our children’s sake and our grandchildren’s sake. That’s succession.”
Dearden, who comes from a small town in Ohio, has a degree in horticulture with a focus on sustainable agriculture.
And now, she has grown with the CFRC, which shares her appreciation for the products that are created in her new hometown.
“We want to show that sustainably produced products are better for the land,” she said, “and stimulate the local economy.”
At the Goochland Farmers Market, everyone, other than prepared food vendors, are required to produce what they sell, whether that is an ear of corn or a hand knit sweater.
And the community is responding.
“This year has been unbelievable,” Dearden said of a customer base that has increased from 600 customers per week last year, in 2007, to 800 customers per week in 2008.
She points out that the recent rise in gas prices affects food prices as well.
“A sustainable food system that’s local is much more secure,” said Dearden. “At the local grocery store, there is only enough perishable food to last about three days. What if trucks suddenly couldn’t bring food?”
At the Farmers Market, consumers can meet those that grow their food, and can ask questions about freshness and the manner in which the produce was raised.
“We want to gently teach people about the rural culture we want to sustain,” she said. “It’s a wonderful system we have in this county, of farming—the people are so passionate and have a great work ethic, they are the kind of people who would do anything for you. This is a community building thing!
July 26—Kid’s Day! Children’s Firefighting demonstration/children’s cow milking demonstration and 4H activities, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Aug. 2—Rockville-Centerville Steam and Gas Historical Association—antique equipment demonstration, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Aug. 9—Celebrate Farmer’s Market Week! Chef’s demonstration with Chef Jo-Linda Saunders, 9:00 a.m and 11:00 a.m. Also, musicians A Good Natured Riot will perform from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Aug. 16—Second Annual Community Pie and Cake live auction, 10:00 a.m.
Aug. 23—Chillin’ at the Market—Watermelon slices and seed-spitting contest. Chef’s demo with Chef Paul Cruser from Butcher’s Block Market, 9:00 a.m and 11:00 a.m. The Willow Creek Band will perform from 9:30 a.m to 12:00 p.m.
Aug. 30—Kid’s Day! Free pony rides from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
For 26 weeks per year, the Farmers Market is held on the grounds of Grace Episcopal Church every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. This year the season runs from May 3 until Oct. 25.
To learn more about the Farmers Market and the Center for Rural Culture, visit http://www.centerforrualculture.com.
(0) Comments • Email This Article |
| Comments |
|
There are no comments for this entry Submit Your Comments Below
|