WINCHESTER—The paths less traveled lead to unforgettable farm adventures in Frederick County. But don’t forget your passport.

The Fredrick County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee recently launched The Farm Explorer of Frederick County passport program, enticing families to explore 10 farm markets in the area. The free passport books, procured at the farm markets or Winchester-Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau, are stamped at each market location. A fully stamped passport book can be redeemed for prizes at the visitors’ center.

However, the greatest reward is in the exposure to a variety of local fruits, vegetables and other farm products, and supporting the hard-working farmers who make it all possible.

“The whole goal is to support local farm businesses, get to know your community, and learn where food comes from,” said Kayla Lawrence, Frederick Farm Bureau women’s committee member. She is a co-operator of the family farm business Richard’s Fruit Market, which is one of the passport sites.

“We’re only open four days a week until peaches are in season, but on those four days we meet passport people market-hopping,” Lawrence continued. “So many people may just go to one farm market and don’t know about the others. This lets the community know that we’re all here!”

The 2024 Farm Explorer passport is valid from April through December, with versions for adults and children. The team plans to make passports available for the 2025 season as well.

Frederick County Farm Bureau women were recognized at the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival for initiating The Farm Explorer. The festival is one of several program sponsors.

“The agricultural industry has been such a rich part of our heritage … contributing to the prosperity of our region,” said Cynthia Schneider, CEO of Top of Virginia Regional Chamber. “Please get behind this effort to support local business and our agriculture community!”

Prizes for completed passports include a logo beanie, Mason jars, seed packets and gift cards for the farm markets.

Participating market managers “didn’t blink an eye” when approached to participate as a passport site, Lawrence said. And sponsors happily shared support and resources, including Frederick County Farm Bureau and its women’s leadership committee, Discover Winchester and the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

"We are so proud of the work the Frederick County Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee has done to bring this project to fruition," said Faye Hundley, chair of the statewide Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Women's Leadership Committee. "The Farm Explorer passport program is a great example of consumer and community engagement, which is a part of our program's mission."

Visit thefarmexplorer.com to learn more.

Media: Contact Lawrence at 540-327-6791 or Discover Winchester at 540-542-1326.