The Farm
The Fauquier Education Farm is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2010. The purpose of the farm is twofold; to develop a program for agricultural education and to grow fresh produce for those experiencing food insecurity. Staff members from The Virginia Co-operative Extension office in Fauquier County aid with the operations of the farm as well as serve on the board of directors. Jim Hankins, the executive director, leads the day-to-day workings of the farm. In the past, they have grown and donated about 60,000 pounds of food per year to local food banks.
There are several programs available for those who are ready to learn about how food is grown. The students are taught how to plant, maintain, and harvest produce. Some of the programs offered are Volunteer Workdays, Demonstrations, Workshop Series, and a Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program.
The Fauquier Education Farm thrives because of its volunteers. People of all ages and backgrounds come out to help and learn how the crops are produced. They assist with planting, harvesting, and tending the crops as well as delivering to local food banks. Many students from the area volunteer at the farm and take what they have learned back to the agriculture classes at their school.
Feast From the Field
The Fauquier Education Farm is funded by donations from our community. Each year they host a fundraiser called Feast From the Field. Members of the community as well as local businesses buy a place at the table. All of the food and libations are locally sourced and shared at the feast. There is live music as well as an auction that raises more money for the farm. According to Jim, some the money raised in 2020 at the dinner was used to build a fence to keep the deer out which resulted in almost doubling the amount of produce donated this year. All proceeds from the dinner go to the Fauquier Education Farm.
The education farm is dependent on donations and volunteers to succeed. Please visit www.fauquiereducationfarm.org if you would like to learn how you can help.
