ARLINGTON—The Virginia Urban Agriculture Summit will be held Oct. 5-6 at George Mason University. 

“The summit is an opportunity for participants to engage with agricultural professionals and educators and to take an in-depth look at urban agriculture,” remarked Chris Cook, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation assistant director of rural development. “Attendees will learn how others are making the urban-rural connection to enhance healthy and nutritious food options within their communities.”

Keynote speakers include John Piotti of the American Farmland Trust and Rodney Taylor, director of food and nutrition services for Fairfax County Public Schools. Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Basil Gooden and Virginia’s first lady, Dorothy McAuliffe, also will speak.

Workshops topics include urban-rural connections, promoting urban agriculture and connecting farmers with feeding programs. Participants also may take guided tours of a rooftop farm, a food assistance center and several community gardens.

Sponsors of the summit include Arlington Food Assistance Center, George Mason University, Green Stem, Loudoun County Economic Development, Marymount University, the city of Arlington, Up Top Acres, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Grown and Virginia State University.  

Registration is $75. Participants can register online at vafb.swoogo.com/urbanag2017.

Media: Contact Cook at 804-290-1111.