Industrial Hemp, Social Media and Bees On the Agenda for Farmer Forum
The 14th annual Forum for Rural Innovation will be held Friday, March 9 from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Clarion Inn & Conference Center in Winchester, Va. – and the topics being presented are fascinating.
Up first is a panel presentation on “Industrial Hemp: Crop of the Future.” The speakers will reveal how this incredible plant can be used to produce thousands of products, from cloth to paper to plastic substitutes, while using fewer resources such as land, water and pesticides.
Next, attendees will learn about the Mid-Atlantic food port and agricultural accelerator, a proposed incubator for farm businesses that will be a joint project between Loudoun and Fauquier counties.
Also on the agenda is a session titled “Protection of Pollinators.” It’s estimated that 1/3 of everything we eat relies on pollination by bees. Participants will learn how to protect this insect that’s essential to food production.
In addition to sessions on “Challenges and Risks With an Event Business” and “Cut Flower Business Best Practices,” Forum attendees will be treated to a practical workshop on “Social Media for Your Business.”
“We want to give our farm businesses the tools they need to succeed,” said Loudoun Economic Development’s Executive Director Buddy Rizer.
The deadline to register to attend the forum is March 2; the $45 registration fee includes a breakfast and lunch showcasing locally produced food. Register at biz.loudoun.gov/forum.
“The Forum for Rural Innovation gives farmers information they can put to use right away to make their businesses more profitable,” said Kellie Hinkle, Loudoun’s agricultural business development officer.
More details about the program and speakers are at biz.loudoun.gov/forum.