VALOR Visit to the Piedmont: Supporting the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders

VALOR alumna Sarah (Jewell) Morton and program participants at the Carver Center.

On May 22, the Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont (MVFP) had the privilege of

supporting the final full site-based seminar for VALOR Class VII (Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results) before their upcoming graduation this July. MVFP's own Sarah (Jewell) Morton is an VALOR alumna.

This culminating experience brought fellows to the Piedmont region for a day of learning, reflection, and connection. Participants heard directly from multi-generational agricultural businesses that openly shared their journeys, highlighting both the opportunities they’ve pursued and the challenges they’ve overcome. Stops included King Family Vineyards, Saunders Brothers Nursery & Farm Market, Albemarle CiderWorks, and Senterfitt Farms, offering a rich look at the diversity and resilience of Virginia agriculture.

Program fellows at the Carver Center.

The day also included an industry overview from the Virginia Department of Forestry, as well as a visit to the George Washington Carver Agricultural Research Center. There, fellows explored initiatives centered on community empowerment, including an incubator kitchen, medicinal garden, and Cooperative Extension programming, while learning about the legacy of the site.

MVFP was proud to sponsor lunch for the fellows as a small way to support these emerging leaders and invest in the future of agriculture in our region.

The visit concluded with presentations and reflections from fellows, rooted both in the rich history of the communities they explored and a shared commitment to building a strong, inclusive future for Virginia agriculture.

We are honored to play a role in fostering leadership, connection, and opportunity through partnerships with organizations like VALOR.