When it Rains, it Pours.

Ok, didn't meant to scare you.  No rain predicted this weekend -- just two glorious days of sunshine and 70 degree temps.  But there's so much going on around farming and local foods this weekend (and next week) that I'm dedicating a whole post to it.

First up, C'ville Parks and Rec is sponsoring a local food workshop called "Home for Dinner."

When:  March 20, 2010 from 10:00 to 1:00

What: How can I feed my family local food and stay within my budget?  What's the difference between a CSA and a food cooperative? Find out these and more in this three hour workshop that explores the local food scene.  Participants will learn cost-saving and seasonal meal-planning strategies and take home delicious recipes.  Guest speakers, who include Chef Mark from L'Etoile and Kathryn Bertoni from Appalachia Star Farm, will help complete this interactive and informative workshop.

How Much: $15.00 for residents and $22.00 for non-residents.

Where:  Tonsler Recreation Center

How: Call (434) 970-3260 or visit www.charlottesville.org to register online for workshop # 240528
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Next up, the Forum for Rural Innovation: New Approaches for Agriculture and Rural Prosperity,  showcasing new programs that enhance farm or rural business profitability. The models also focus on conserving farmland and natural resources, and developing new approaches to rural prosperity in upscale areas where land commands premium prices.

Sponsored by Loudoun County Office of Rural Economic Development - more info here!
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And finally, next week is the Wild & Scenic Film Festival at Vinegar Hill.  Lots of good stuff to choose from, but I'm looking forward to the 16-minute short film, Homegrown Revolution:

In the midst of a dansely urban setting in downtown Pasadena, radical change is taking root. For over twenty years, the Dervaes family has transformed their home into an urban homestead. As a family for this new paradigm, harvest nearly 3 tons of organic food from their 1/10 acre garden while incorporating many back-to-basics practices, as well as solar energy and biodiesel. www.freedomgardens.org

More details on the festival can be found at wildvirginia.org, and you can download a full schedule here!

No excuses for staying home this weekend!