Agriculture

Sweet news for yam fans: Carbohydrates can be good for you—as long as they’re complex carbohydrates, like those found in sweet potatoes.

The chestnut blight wiped out the American Chestnut in the early 1900s, but a handful of farms in the commonwealth have found a way to maintain blight-resistant orchards. Marketing collectively as Virginia Chestnuts LLC, they are harvesting thousands of pounds of fresh chestnuts each year.

Consumers can help bolster Virginia’s declining dairy industry by purchasing local milk and milk products.

Virginia cut flower farms grew from 117 in 2007 to 227 in 2012. Read about two flower farmers and how their businesses are blooming.

The state’s 47 soil and water conservation districts will use $7.2 million this fiscal year to help Virginians implement conservation practices.

Monticello—lush lawns, stately columns and abundant agriculture. That’s right, former President Thomas Jefferson’s home was once an agrarian mecca and continues that tradition today.

School gardens can provide a treasure trove of learning experiences for children, and there are several ways your membership is making them possible.

A unique greenhouse on 18 acres in Powhatan County houses more than 13,000 orchids; 8,000 of which are in “orchid daycare.”

As Smokey Bear has told Americans since 1947, “Only YOU can prevent forest fires.” Turns out, he’s right because fires are often preventable.

Virginia is full of beautiful countrysides—and farms. For travelers looking to explore, disconnect and enjoy rural living, or learn more about farming, there are farm families who offer lodging or bed-and-breakfast accomodations.