What is Farm2Fork Affair?
Farm2Fork Affair is a one-day connector event between Shenandoah Valley farmers producers and commercial buyers from around the state and D.C.
The event provides Shenandoah Valley producers an opportunity to directly promote their products, network, and increase sales. Buyers will have an opportunity to discover and experience the wide variety of fresh food options available throughout the Shenandoah Valley including Augusta County, Clarke County, Frederick County, Page County, Rockbridge County, Rockingham County, Shenandoah County, Warren County and the Cities of Buena Vista, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro.
Why attend?
With four of Virginia’s top five agricultural producing counties located in the Shenandoah Valley, Farm2Fork is a great opportunity for statewide commercial food buyers to associate food brands with the Shenandoah Valley’s strong local food movement. Farm2Fork provides support for farming, tourism, rural business development, community involvement, healthy living, and improved food access and nutrition. Previous producers and consumers have included well-known farmers and chefs, conference center managers, craft beer brewers, medical center food service managers, food distribution companies, school nutrition managers, vineyard operators, and many small agriculture, tourism, and food businesses from around the state.
“The quality and diversity of Shenandoah Valley’s agriculture makes our farms an obvious choice for restaurants and retailers wanting to source only the best. One of farmers’ and restaurant managers’ most valuable resources is time. This event brings all producers and buyers to one place making it an efficient use of everyone’s time”, French Price, Value Chain Coordinator & Education Support Specialist, Virginia Cooperative Extension. “
How much does it cost to attend?
Commercial buyers from anywhere in the mid-Atlantic attend free of charge.
Producers from sponsoring localities may attend at a cost of $15 per exhibitor. The vendor fee covers the cost of booth space, table and chairs, and chaffing dishes, if needed.
Who produces the event?
Farm2Fork is a collaborative effort of economic development agencies, tourism departments, business development organizations, and local food initiatives. The event has been held sub-regionally since 2015 and in 2019 expanded to draw on the Shenandoah Valley’s reputation as a farm-to-table hub. Buyers at the event include restaurants, universities, retailers, grocers, distribution centers, and full-service hotels and B&B’s.
The Shenandoah Valley Farm2Fork Affair is supported by public and private sponsorships.
How do I learn more?
Mark your calendars for Farm2Fork Affair to return on March 14, 2023! Email us at farm2forkaffair@gmail.com.