2024 started strong here at Carter Farms, and we've been busy cultivating success ever since! From sponsoring impactful events like the VABF-SFOP summit to hosting engaging cooking classes celebrating African cuisine, our commitment to community engagement and sustainable farming practices remains unwavering. Join us as we recap our recent endeavors and look ahead to exciting developments in the world of agriculture and beyond.

VABF-SFOP Conference 2024.

Carter Farms and Africulture proudly served as sponsors for the 2024 VABF-SFOP summit, extending our support by providing registration and lodging for 60 farmers to attend the event held from January 19th to 21st. The summit commenced with pre-conference workshops on Friday, focusing on essential topics such as agronomics, year-round vegetable cultivation, and perennial farming techniques.

In addition to these workshops, our sponsorship encompassed the facilitation of enriching programs for both youth and teens. The youth program catered to children aged 5 to 12, fostering their interest in agriculture through engaging demonstrations and knowledge-sharing sessions. Simultaneously, the teen program, tailored for ages 12 to 18, provided a platform for teenagers to delve into the intricacies of farming, inspiring the next generation of agricultural enthusiasts.

The core of the summit, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, featured an array of insightful sessions aimed at advancing agricultural practices and promoting inclusivity within the farming community. Renowned speakers, including Seidah Armstrong and John Armstrong, delved into the nuances of "Farming for Profit," offering invaluable insights into maximizing agricultural yields while ensuring sustainable practices.

Further, discussions on equity and diversity in farming, spearheaded by Duron Chavis, shed light on the importance of inclusivity and representation within the agricultural sector. Michael Carter Jr. led a compelling "Fusion Movement Legislative Forum," advocating for legislative reforms to bolster the farming community's resilience and prosperity.

The summit also prioritized the well-being of farmers, with sessions dedicated to mental health awareness. Kevin Carter facilitated an introspective session titled "Examining Your Mental Well-being," emphasizing the significance of mental health in the agricultural profession and providing resources for support.

Moreover, Michael Watson's session on "NRCS Conservation Programs for Historically Underserved, Veteran, and Beginner Farmers" highlighted the vital role of conservation programs in supporting farmers from diverse backgrounds, ensuring their access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

Overall, our sponsorship of the 2024 VABF-SFOP summit underscores our commitment to fostering knowledge exchange, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and nurturing the next generation of farmers. We extend our gratitude to all participants, speakers, and organizers for their invaluable contributions to this enriching event.

Farmers Meeting with Abigail Spanberger.

In a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights, farmers gathered at the historic Blue Run Baptist Church for an open forum with U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger. The event, held on January 24, 2024, provided a platform for historically underserved, small, and beginner farmers to voice their needs and interests regarding the U.S. Farm Bill.

Representative Spanberger listened attentively as farmers shared their perspectives during the two-hour session. Following the discussions, attendees networked with local markets, laying the groundwork for future collaborations as spring approaches.

The event's success was evident in the active participation and rich dialogue among participants, highlighting the importance of community engagement in shaping agricultural policy.

BIPOC Dinner at UVA.

“Harvesting History” Dinner Honors Black Farmers at UVA

In a celebration of Black History Month, UVA Dine and Aramark hosted a special dinner event titled "Harvesting History: A Local Tribute to Black Farmers" on Tuesday, February 20th, from 6-8PM at OHill West Terrace. The event aimed to spotlight the contributions of BIPOC-owned farms and vendors, including Farmer D's, Goldman Farm, Simpli Quinoa, and Pine Knot Farm.

Organized in collaboration with UVA's Michael Carter Jr. Africulture course, Charlottesville's BIPOC farmer program, and 4P/Local Food Hub, the dinner brought together producers, chefs, and attendees to enjoy locally sourced ingredients and learn about the stories behind the dishes.

The event served as a platform to launch an informational campaign aimed at raising awareness about the Africulture course and supporting BIPOC farmers in the community.

Guests enjoyed a curated menu and engaging conversations, immersing themselves in the rich history and culture of Black farming traditions. "Harvesting History" highlighted the importance of recognizing and supporting BIPOC farmers and their invaluable contributions to agriculture.

UVA AFRICULTURE Students Cooking “Red red ” & Plantain.

Delicious Journey Through African Cuisine: Hoo's Cooking Class

Last Thursday, Hoo's Cooking hosted a special edition cooking class that took participants on a flavorful journey through African culture and heritage. Led by honored guest Michael Carter, Jr., head of the non-profit Africulture and 5th generation farmer at Carter Family Farms, attendees learned how to make Ghanian Red Red, a mouthwatering stew of tomatoes and black-eyed peas seasoned with ginger, curry, and hot pepper. The dish was served with sweet plantains and rice, offering a delightful fusion of flavors.

Under the guidance of Melanie, the Director of UVA Teaching Kitchen, students and participants gathered in the kitchen at 4:00 PM to set up and prep for the class. With sign-ups showing strong interest, anticipation was high as everyone eagerly awaited the chance to explore African cuisine.

The cooking session began at 5:00 PM, with attendees working together to prepare the dish over the course of 60-70 minutes. As the stew simmered, participants engaged in conversations and shared experiences, fostering a sense of community and connection.

The evening kicked off with brief introductions and a review of the menu, providing an opportunity for Michael Carter, Jr. to share insights about Africulture, Carter Farms, and his farming experiences. His anecdotes added depth to the cooking experience, enriching participants' understanding of African culture and agriculture.

The event highlighted the power of food to bring people together and celebrate diversity. Hoo's Cooking looks forward to hosting more culinary adventures in the future, inviting everyone to savor the world, one delicious dish at a time.

Upcoming events at the farm.

Health Fair - April 6th.

Edna Lewis Birthday - April 13th

Mothers (Earth) Day - April 20th

Junetenth - June 15