Regional Food System
- Local Food Branding Consumer Survey Report (April 2017)
- Rappahannock-Rapidan Farm & Food Plan (October 2015)
- Appendix A: Food System Assessment Report
- Appendix B: Economic Analysis Report
- Appendix C: Focus Group Meeting Summaries
- Appendix D: Producer Survey Results
- Farm & Food System Plan Summary Document
A food system is a collaborative network that includes everyone involved in putting food on our tables, whether that table is located in our homes, a restaurant or our kids’ cafeteria. This system integrates food production, processing, distribution, consumption and waste management in order to enhance the environmental, economic and social health of the region.
As part of ongoing efforts to foster sustainable agriculture, the Regional Commission conducted a comprehensive study of the region’s food system, culminating in the development of a Regional Food System Plan. An asset assessment, economic analysis, stakeholder interviews, focus group meetings and a producer survey were conducted to document the conditions in the region’s farm and food economy as well as stakeholder’s challenges and resource needs. The goal of the plan is to strengthen the local food economy in order to retain more local dollars within the region, while also promoting citizens' health, encouraging preservation of local farmland and enhancing farmers' quality of life.
To address the core obstacles documented in the plan, nine priority projects were identified through a public strategic planning process:
1. Create a Regional Food System Council
2. Develop a Local Food Regional Marketing Plan
3. Foster Development of a Community Kitchen and Food Processing Center
4. Foster Development of a Food Node/Aggregation Center
5. Develop Farmer Mentorship Programs
6. Foster Farm Labor Internship Programs
7. Conduct a Regional Farm Labor Needs Assessment
8. Explore Feasibility of a Mobile Slaughter Unit
9. Promote Existing Resources
RRRC took the first step in plan implementation with the creation of a Regional Food Council to act as an advisory body and ensure the continuation of this effort. As recommended by the plan, the council’s first major task will be development of a regional local foods marketing plan. These steps will lay the groundwork for implementation of the other projects, including on-going development of the George Washington Carver Agricultural Center.
Please contact Michelle Edwards at (540) 829-7450 or medwards@rrregion.org for more information. For meeting materials and information relating to the development of the Rappahannock-Rapidan Farm & Food System Plan, please see the archive page.
Food Policy Council
Food Policy Council Members (August 2023)
Please note - All meetings are open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to join in the discussion. However, only appointed members may vote on council matters.
Upcoming Meetings
June 10, 2024 | 1:30 pm
Past Meetings
April 8, 2024 | 1:30 pm | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
Presentation: 2022 Ag Census Regional Overview
Handout: Culpeper County Summary
Handout: Fauquier County Summary
Handout: Madison County Summary
Handout: Orange County Summary
Handout: Rappahannock County Summary
Handout: Regional & Local Ag Census Data (Excel Workbook)
February 12, 2024 | 1:30 pm | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
December 11, 2023 | 1:30pm | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
October 19, 2023 | 1:30pm | Carver Center
Agenda
August 14, 2023 | 1:30pm | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
June 12, 2023 | 1:30pm | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
Presentation: American Farmland Trust
Presentation: RRRC Farm to School Updates
Handout: AFT Climate Smart Agriculture
Handout: Local Food Promotion Program Application Summary
Handout: Draft New Food Council Priority Projects
April 10, 2023 | 1:30pm | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
Handout: Local Food Promotion Program Draft Summary
February 13, 2023 | 1:30pm | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
Presentation: RRRC Food System Priorities
Presentation: RRRC Farm to School Updates
Handout: Farm to School Producer Training Agenda
December 12, 2022 | 1:30pm | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
Presentation: Regional Value Chains & Food Systems in Virginia
Presentation: RRRC Farm to School Updates
October 13, 2022 | 3:00pm | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
June 13, 2022 | 1:30pm | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
Presentation: Mid-Atlantic Food Resilience and Access Coalition (MAFRAC)
April 11, 2022 | 1:30pm | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
February 14, 2022 | 1:30pm | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
December 16, 2021 | 3:00pm | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
Presentation: GWCFEC Update
Presentation: Farm to School Update
October 14, 2021 | 2:00pm | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
Presentation: Farm to School Liaison Progress
June 24, 2021 | 9:00am | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
April 19, 2021 | 2:00pm | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
Handout: GWCFEC Information
Handout: Farm to School Liaison Position Description
January 23, 2021 | 2:00pm | Virtual Meeting
Agenda
Minutes
Regional Food Processing Meeting
November 5, 2020
Agenda
Recording (YouTube)
July 22, 2020 | 3:00pm | Electronic Access Only
Meeting Minutes
May 27, 2020 | 3:00pm | Electronic Access Only
Meeting Minutes
January 23, 2020 | 5:30pm | RRRC Board Room
Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Presentation: Virginia Food System Council
For details, please contact Michelle Edwards at medwards@rrregion.org.