Working Farms & Local Food

Farmland and forests produce the essentials of life, from the food on our tables to clean water and air. In PEC’s nine-county area, approximately 200,000 acres of farmland and 198,000 acres of forests are protected through private, voluntary land conservation.

hands holding Buy Fresh Buy Local guide next to mailbox

Buy Fresh Buy Local Guides

The Piedmont Environmental Council’s Buy Fresh Buy Local program helps consumers find local products while building relationships between growers, food …
man stands at fence with sheep

Improving Pastures

Farms are the heart of the Piedmont region. Creating healthy pastures means sustainable farmland and a strong local economy …
Properties at Gilberts Corner

Properties at Gilberts Corner

Driving west on Rt. 50 in Loudoun County, you may breathe a sigh of relief when you reach the first …
Leasing Farmland

Leasing Farmland

Access to affordable tillable farmland and pasture is one of the primary barriers for next-generation farmers and a healthy evolution …
Conservation Funding Workshop & Social 2025 - Resources
Power and Produce: Virginia's First Crop-Based Agrivoltaics Project

Videos: Agrivoltaics Project at PEC’s Community Farm

Explore our video updates detailing the exciting progress of the Piedmont Environmental Council’s agrivoltaics project, where solar energy and sustainable agriculture meet …
A legacy of conservation and community at risk in Fauquier County

A legacy of conservation and community at risk in Fauquier County

From their storied pasts to the present day, the Fauquier County towns of Remington, Bealeton and the many unique crossroad communities in the surrounding region have been characterized by their rural charm. And for decades, …
In the backround, people walk through a field harvesting cabages, while in the foreground a large crate of cabages sits.

Feeding the Piedmont

All of us here at PEC know that resilient food systems are crucial to building stronger, more sustainable communities. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to support and promote working farms and to bring …
PFAS-Contaminated Biosolids Proposed in Orange: Voices Needed by Aug. 4

PFAS-Contaminated Biosolids Proposed in Orange: Voices Needed by Aug. 4

America’s largest biosolids land-application company (Synagro) is seeking a permit to spread more PFAS-contaminated biosolids on farmland across Orange County, including fields adjacent to Pamunkey Creek, which already has elevated levels of PFAS contamination.  …
A woman smiles at the camera holding a newspaper that says "Buy Fresh Buy Local"

Growing Connections: How Buy Fresh Buy Local Guides Strengthen Our Community

When Mike Peterson walks the fields at Kinloch Farm each morning, he is doing more than checking on cattle. He is nurturing connections that stretch far beyond the rolling hills of The Plains — connections …
Support Loudoun’s Agricultural Businesses! Weigh in on ABC Licensed Uses that Impact Farmers and Residents

Support Loudoun’s Agricultural Businesses! Weigh in on ABC Licensed Uses that Impact Farmers and Residents

June 18 meeting canceled – Loudoun County staff and Supervisors have been working hard since last November on the update to the Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan for Western Loudoun. On date TBD and July 16 at …
New ‘Buy Fresh Buy Local’ Food Guides Now Available!

New ‘Buy Fresh Buy Local’ Food Guides Now Available!

This text was taken from an email alert sent out on May 7, 2025. Sign up for email alerts → Dear Supporter, We’re excited to announce that PEC’s 2025-26 Buy Fresh Buy Local Guides have been printed …
Piedmont Environmental Council Launches 2025-2026 Buy Fresh Buy Local Guides

Piedmont Environmental Council Launches 2025-2026 Buy Fresh Buy Local Guides

With spring in full bloom across the Virginia Piedmont, The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is pleased to announce the release of the 2025-2026 Buy Fresh Buy Local guide, a bi-annual handbook that helps to connect …
Finding Roots at Kinloch Farm

Finding Roots at Kinloch Farm

Mike learned that food brings people together, and for a while, he pursued that mission through the culinary world. Today, he tends to the intersection of conservation and agriculture at Kinloch, knowing that best practices …

The Piedmont Environmental Council is a partner of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition. We support the 4 core principles of soil health management: Keep Soil Covered; Minimize Soil Disturbance; Maximize Living Roots; and, Energize with Diversity. Join the movement today at 4thesoil.org.