The Center for Rural Culture (CRC), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving rural culture in Central Virginia, has acquired Fall Line Farms. The CRC and Fall Line Farms operate online farmers’ markets for the region, with the common mission of connecting farmers with customers in search of fresh, local food year-round.

“The CRC’s online farmers market, Local Roots Food Co-Op, founded in 2010, serves the counties of Goochland, Hanover, Louisa, Powhatan and Cumberland, and the town of Farmville,” officials said in a press release. “Fall Line Farms, founded in 2008, serves the city of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield and Henrico.”

Fall Line Farms and Local Roots will retain their names and continue to function in tandem under the experienced management team of Becky Lillywhite and Mary Delicate, officials said.

“Customers will continue to have access to a growing number of local farms and producers. The online farmers’ markets currently support over 29 farms, representing 1,200 acres of farmland in production. Customers can pick up their weekly orders at 20 locations throughout Central Virginia.”

Fall Line Farms’ founder Molly Harris envisioned the market as an incubator for small farms. The CRC, operating under the mission to support local economies and agriculture, protects rural landscapes and traditions, and to conserve natural and historic resources, shares the founder’s vision and commitment to supporting a sustainable local farm to customer culture.

“I live in a county without a traditional grocery store or a single industry supporting a work force,” said incoming CRC President Catherine Fleischman. “No interstate or railroad, plus 16,000 acres of state forest, help my county maintain a slower pace and bucolic setting. Joining the CRC has helped me connect to an economy of small sustainable farming that supports why I live here. I love shopping online for great, healthy, local food and promoting workshops and programs that bring people in urban and rural communities closer to the land. I am committed to sharing what the CRC has to offer in the coming year and welcome the members of Fall Line Farms to our volunteer organization.” 

Visit www.centerforruralculture.org for more information on the programs of the CRC and links to Local Roots and Fall Line Farms.