YOU'VE GONE DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE!
Everything we didn't have room for in print
Where to find local food
Two free tools to locate markets, CSAs, and what's in season near you.
Buy Fresh Buy Local Guides from the Piedmont Environmental Council
Buy Fresh Buy Local Virginia supports local farms, retailers, restaurants and food businesses by promoting local farm and food products to consumers. They encourage consumers to ask their restaurants and grocers about their local purchasing habits and to get to know their farmers and the farming practices they use to produce the food we eat.
See What's In Season Where You Live:
Search Market Maker What's in Season using your zip code to find out what's in season in your region and where to buy it! Bookmark it today!
Talk with your farmer: the full list
There's no single "right" way to farm and every operation is different. Asking is about learning, not judging.
Most farmers are glad to talk about how they work.
Growing practices
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Is your farm regenerative, organic, conventional, or a blend of practices?
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Do you use synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides? How do you manage weeds?
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What practices do you use to build soil health?
Soil health
As many farmers put it: "Healthy food starts with healthy soil." Good soil supports nutrient-rich crops, holds water, reduces erosion, and hosts beneficial microbes.
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How often do you test your soil, and what have you learned from it?
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Do you use cover crops or compost?
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How do you build soil organic matter (the living, decomposing material in soil) and biological activity (the living things in it, like worms and microbes)?
Water stewardship & conservation
Healthy crops and animals depend on clean water.
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How do you protect water resources on your farm?
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What practices do you use to prevent erosion and runoff?
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What steps do you take during drought conditions?
Animal care
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Are your animals pasture-raised, and what are they fed?
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Are growth hormones used?
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How do you handle animal health and welfare, including antibiotics, when animals are sick?
Biosolids
Biosolids are treated materials from wastewater treatment. In some regions, they're applied to farmland under federal and state regulation. If you're curious, it's fine to ask:
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Do you use biosolids on your farm, and what guidelines do you follow?
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What are the benefits and concerns of their use, and how do you monitor soil quality?
The goal of asking is to understand how a farm is managed — not to make assumptions about it.
Why buy local: the full picture
Appearance isn't everything
Not every tomato is perfectly round, and not every apple looks like the ones in a grocery store display. Locally grown produce may vary in size, shape, or appearance because it's often harvested closer to peak ripeness and grown using different practices. In most cases, "ugly" produce is just as nutritious and flavorful.
Why prices may differ
Prices for local food vary from farm to farm, and can differ from large grocery store prices. Labor, feed, fuel, equipment, land, weather, and production practices all factor into the cost of growing and raising food.
Supporting farm and regional resilience
Every local purchase does more than fill your fridge — it keeps dollars circulating in your community. Money spent with local farms tends to stay local, recirculating through feed stores, equipment dealers, processors, and other small businesses. A strong network of local producers also means your community has more than one place to turn if supply chains break down.
Ways you can help build a more resilient local food economy:
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Buy local first, even in small amounts — consistent, modest purchases add up over a season
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Spread your support across multiple farms rather than relying on just one
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Buy in bulk or preserve seasonal abundance (freezing, canning) to support farms during peak harvest
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Seek out value-added products (jams, baked goods, cheeses) that help farms diversify income
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Refer friends and family — word of mouth is one of the most valuable things you can offer a small farm
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Encourage local schools, restaurants, or employers to source from local producers
A resilient regional food system also means greater food security during emergencies. Farms that are financially stable are better able to invest in the soil health, water stewardship, and animal welfare practices covered above, and to keep producing food for your community long-term.
The complete market checklist
The booklet fits a short version. Here's all 14 — print this section or check it off on your phone.
Further reading & resources
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Trusted, research-based information on agriculture, food, gardening, and natural resources, plus local offices statewide.
Cultivating Rural Vitality in Virginia's Food System (CRRV)
The research project behind this guide, addressing food system resiliency in Virginia.
Virginia Farmers Market Association (VAFMA)
Promotes local agriculture and helps consumers connect with markets and vendors statewide.
Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont (MVFP)
Supports local farmers and connects consumers with information, resources, and the regional food system.