Working Farms & Food

Farmland and forests produce the necessities of life and provide essential natural services. In PEC’s nine county area, over 180,000 acres of farmland and 140,000 acres of forests are protected through private, voluntary land conservation.

Deep Roots Milling

Deep Roots Milling

The men behind Deep Roots Milling —Charlie Wade, Aaron Grigsby, and Ian Gamble — are as genuine as they are diverse. Each brings complementary skillsets to their partnership, yet they are equally dedicated to sourcing local grains, providing nutrient-dense products, and helping us all create high quality food (think buckwheat pancakes, tortillas, breads, cookies, granola, and more!). They are currently set up to process wheat, corn, rye, buckwheat, spelt, and rolled oats. 

FARMacy Cafe & Food Truck is Mexican Fusion at its Finest

FARMacy Cafe & Food Truck is Mexican Fusion at its Finest

Mexican fusion is a perfect way to describe FARMacy Cafe and Food Truck. Fusion is simply a term used when a cuisine combines elements of different culinary traditions. Thanks to Jessica and Gabino Lino, we can enjoy the delicious combination of his Mexican roots and her holistic nutrition roots, both of which appear throughout their creative offerings. 

Forrest Green Farm cultivates healthy food, healthy land and healthy people

Forrest Green Farm cultivates healthy food, healthy land and healthy people

Krista and Rob Rahm have owned and operated Forrest Green Farm since 1992. The 423-acre farm in Louisa County is a marvel to visit, with its spectacular views of the Blue Ridge and diverse offerings of farm-raised meat, poultry, dairy, herbs and produce, as well as other locally grown products. It also offers visitors the opportunity to see a model for regenerative farming practices that have restored soils while enhancing the land’s beauty.

Farmed with Care at Long Stone

Farmed with Care at Long Stone

A quick browse on Long Stone’s website will tell you this farm is “owned and farmed with care” by Casey and Justin Wisch and their four young children. Although a simple phrase, the magnitude of that care is apparent after just a short conversation with these farmers who produce non-GMO pastured pork, beef, chicken and eggs on over 300 acres in Lovettsville. 

2024 Highlights: By the Numbers

2024 Highlights: By the Numbers

PEC’s dedicated staff work relentlessly to advance land conservation, sound land use planning, the protection of natural resources and better climate and energy policy.

Shining a Light on Agrivoltaics at Roundabout Meadows

Shining a Light on Agrivoltaics at Roundabout Meadows

This spring, the Piedmont Environmental Council will unveil a project at our Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows with the potential to revolutionize the relationship between the agricultural lands that make up the heart of the Virginia Piedmont and the need for more solar energy capacity across the Commonwealth.