VABF Links (in alphabetical order)

Suggest a link to VABF HERE

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AgricultureB2B

The agriculture industry is a highly diverse industry that supports a wide variety of activities in all regions of the world. The AgricultureB2B.com Resource Directory is a comprehensive listing of all things agriculture in the North America and worldwide. The directory features listings in thousands of categories - from companies to farms and feed suppliers to training and transportation and everything in-between.

We believe that the farmer has always been in the forefront, embracing new ideas and technology, recognizing the keenness of the competitive edge upon which they balance their livelihoods.

AgricultureB2B.com was created to bring the benefits of the Intenet to all people presently engaged in the constructive conservation, development, and promotion of the agriculture industry. All the links found in our various categories are carefully reviewed before inclusion. We are located in the province of Quebec, Canada.

AgriSeek

AgriSeek combines a worldwide news service with an interactive business directory and international online job market focusing on agriculture and related fields. Our goal is to provide you with high quality online tools to promote and market your products and services, at competitive prices. AgriSeek.com has today become the leading online marketplace for equipment, livestock, real estate, jobs, farm-related products and services. This marketplace helps agricultural and rural-based businesses to expand market share through an on-line trading community.

Appalachian Sustainable Development

ASD is a not-for-profit organization working in 10 counties of the Appalachian section of Virginia and Tennessee, a region which suffers from double digit unemployment, out migration of young people and chronic environmental problems. Formed in 1995 following a year long community strategic planning process, ASD focuses on developing healthy, diverse and ecologically sound economic opportunities through education and training, and the development of cooperative networks and marketing systems. ASD's two main programs are in Sustainable Forestry and Wood Products and Sustainable Agriculture.

The majority of our partnerships are action-ioriented relationships with farmers, loggers and other small scale enterprises, or community based organizations and public agencies working on some dimension of sustainable development. Examples of these partnerships include the Virginia and Tennessee Cooperative Extension, the Dickenson County Department of Economic Development and the Russell County Industrial Development Authority, the Nature Conservancy, Appalachian Spring Cooperative, and many more. On a broader level, we are working closely with members of the Central Appalachian Network towards the development of product identities for sustainably produced agriculture products. This same effort also involves the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project - ASAP

Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) is a Western North Carolina community-based collaborative focused on sustaining farms and rural communities through an integrated action program of:

• Farmland protection: research, development, and demonstration of methods for retaining productive farmland threatened by sprawl and scattered rural growth.
• Sustainable production systems: development of high-value crops, value-added commodities, and sustainable production systems.
• Policy development: creation of, and lobbying for, policies supportive of sustainable farming practices, community-based marketing programs, and farmland protection initiatives.
• Promotion: providing producers access to focused educational and training resources; creation of direct marketing opportunities through the promotion of existing markets and establishment of new marketing possibilities and cooperative ventures.

ATTRA - Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas

ATTRA - Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas - is the national sustainable farming information center operated by the private nonprofit National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). ATTRA provides technical assistance to farmers, Extension agents, market gardeners, agricultural researchers, and other ag professionals in all 50 states. Topics addressed by ATTRA can be categorized into three broad areas: 1)sustainable farming production practices 2)alternative crop and livestock enterprises 3)innovative marketing
Technical assistance, publications, and resources are provided free of charge to appropriate users. ATTRA is funded through a cooperative agreement with the USDA Rural Business--Cooperative Service agency.

Ballston-Virginia Square Farmers Market

Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Ballston Farmers Markets & Concerts. Enjoy live music between noon and 2pm, and a great lineup of vendors selling farm fresh produce, baked goods and gourmet treats!

Brookview Farm - Manakin-Sabot, VA

Brookview Farm is a family owned and operated certified organic farm located in Manakin-Sabot, VA. The Fisher family has owned and operated Brookview Farm for over 25 years.

We are very proud of our grass-fed beef, free range eggs, and our farm market. Our grass fed beef is certified organic. Our animals’ diet of organic grass and clover, coupled with the fact that they are fit and active, produces meat that is high in protein and anti-oxidants. This creates meat that is as low in fat and cholesterol as boneless skinless chicken.

Brookview Farm also provides education, and opportunities for people to connect with their food source while consistently practicing responsible, sustainable agriculture.

Center for Rural Culture

The purpose of this site is to educate, promote and inspire individuals seeking to sustain the rural culture of Goochland and Virginia’s Piedmont. Visitors will find information about Center activities, links to other sites, and information on sustainability.

CommunityFood Store

CommunityFood.com is a comprehensive web-based resource center intended to serve agricultural and rural-based businesses and the food-concerned public through an on-line trading community. It is a project of the Community Alliance of Interdependent Agriculture (CAIA).

The CommunityFood Store, an online marketplace connecting family farms and earth-friendly businesses with conscientious consumers. Have you been concerned about safe, healthy food for you and your family? Well now you can order fresh, wholesome food, homemade gifts, body and bath products, clothing and more direct from small farmers and rural business owners across the country. It's like having a Farmer's Market at your fingertips.

The CommunityFood Store is a terrific place to find specialty items like:

• USDA Natural Leg of Lamb
• Vermont Maple Syrup
• Organic Hibiscus Tea
• Organic Wild Rice Chips
• Goat's Milk Soaps and Body Butter

And so much more!

Shipping is free so shop for yourself or choose a gift for family and friends. Once you've visited the store, check out all of the great resources at CommunityFood.com. Use the CommunityFood Classifieds to turn your surplus products, equipment, or services into cash! Connect with information and resources about sustainability, food, and food production with CommunityFood's popular free eZines, a comprehensive directory, a calorie counter and more.

CSA's in Virginia - Community Supported Agriculture

A listing of the CSA's in Virginia

Cucumber Project Report

During the 2007 growing season, VABF members from across the state will be compiling information about cucumbers. We are collecting information about varieties, growing methods, insect and pest problems and solutions. Extra copies of the reporting form are available here.

Eat Local Challenge

EatLocalChallenge.com is a group blog written by authors who are interested in the benefits of eating food grown and produced in their local foodshed. Spanning the United States, the group is committed to challenging themselves to eat mainly local food during a specific period of time during the year.

Eat Well Guide

Eat Well Guide® is a free online directory of thousands of family farms, restaurants, and other outlets for fresh, locally grown food. Originally a database of sustainably-raised meat and dairy producers, its listings have expanded to include farmers' markets, CSA programs, partner organizations, water-conscious ratings and vegetarian eateries. Visitors can search by location, keyword or category to find good food, download customized guides, or plan a trip with the innovative mapping tool Eat Well Everywhere. Eat Well is also home to The Green Fork blog and the free print and online book Cultivating the Web: High Tech Tools for the Sustainable Food Movement.

eatwild

Eatwild.com is your source for safe, healthy, natural and nutritious grass-fed beef, lamb, goats, bison, poultry, pork, dairy and other wild edibles. This website provides:

• Comprehensive, accurate information about the benefits of raising animals on pasture
• A direct link to local farms that sell all-natural, delicious, grass-fed products
• A marketplace for farmers who raise their livestock on pasture from birth to market and who actively promote the welfare of their animals and the health of the land

Elite Farmer

Inside Elite Farmer you'll find links and articles about crops, livestock, breeders societies and associations, colleges, agricultural machinery manufacturers, auction markets, newspapers - anything related to farming on the web.

Families for Natural Living -- FNL

Families for Natural Living (FNL) provides resources, education, support and camaraderie to parents who wish to make conscious, compassionate, informed choices for their children and themselves. FNL families are typically interested in natural living issues, such as holistic health care, natural birthing, attachment parenting, alternative schooling, nutritious whole foods, and environmentally conscientious living.

We are a grassroots network of parents helping parents. Feel free to claim this site and our tribe as your own. Visit and contribute often and freely!

FarmFoody

Connecting YOU to the sustainable family farm. Find local farms and join our community of people who eat fresh, eat local and support sustainable agriculture. Know where your food comes from and who grew it, just like when most people lived in small towns close to farms.

We are creating a social network centered around independent farms in the United States. We currently have most organic farms in Virginia in the network. We work on a daily basis to expand the number of farms by working with farmers and agricultural groups to encourage farms to join our network.

If you love to pick your own produce, shopping at farmer's markets and farm stands, by becoming a member of our site you will get your own personalized map and bulletins from all your favorite farms.

If you are a farmer, please sign up for your farm home page. Please read about the benefits to farmers to learn how you may benefit from having your farm included in our social network.

Farmers Markets of Virginia

A listing of Farmers Markets throughout Virginia, as posted on the USDA-AMS website.

Federal Sustainable Agriculture Program Primer

See the Federal Sustainable Agriculture Program Primer, provided by National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture for information on 31 different federal programs that can help you farm more sustainably. This listing includes program descriptions for conservation, marketing, rural development, community food systems, equity and justice, and organic agriculture; as well as eligibility criteria, application procedures and deadlines for each program.

Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)

The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) is the leading national nonprofit organization working to improve public policies and public-private partnerships to eradicate hunger and undernutrition in the United States. FRAC works with hundreds of national, state and local nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and corporations to address hunger and its root cause, poverty.

foodroutes.org

FRN is a national nonprofit organization that provides communications tools, technical support, networking and information resources to organizations nationwide that are working to rebuild local, community-based food systems. FRN is dedicated to reintroducing Americans to their food ñ the seeds it grows from, the farmers who produce it, and the routes that carry it from the fields to their tables.

Our strategic communications programs include:

• The FoodRoutes Web site
• National polling research
• Message development for sustainable food and farming systems
• "Buy Local" campaign development
• Communications toolsóincluding our Communicator's and Buy Local toolkits
• Farm to College tools and resources
• Listing of local farms and directories on a GIS enabled map
• Implementation strategies for state and local food system policies funded by the Farm Bill

Future Harvest - CASA

Future Harvest-CASA is a network of farmers, agricultural professionals, landowners and consumers living and working in the Chesapeake region. Future Harvest-CASA promotes profitable, environmentally sound and socially acceptable food and farming systems that work to sustain communities.

Future Harvest-CASA is a nonprofit organization that was created as a result of the successful achievements of the Future Harvest Project that was established in 1994. On September 9, 1998, Future Harvest-Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture was officially incorporated as an independent organization and received nonprofit status on July 13, 1999.

GreatVirginia.com

A comprehensive directory and guide to everything in Virginia.

Heirloom Tomatoes

Over 80 varieties of great organically grown Heirloom Tomato seeds. Heirloom tomatoes just can't be beat for their outstanding flavor. Tomatoes like Green Grape, Green Zebra, Soldaki, Brandywine, Mortgage Lifter, and Cherokee Purple are some of the many organic seeds we offer. Our website offers a list of over 80 varieties of organic heirloom tomato seeds, tomato growing tips, gardening links, and seed saving information.

Hometown Creamery Project

A project of Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program of USDA, the Hometown Creamery Revival promotes on-farm and small-scale processing as a means of making dairying a sustainable way of life for small farms. Farmstead and artisanal products are unique, offering the consumer interesting alternatives to standardized dairy foods.

Konkin Organic Vermiculture Farm

Konkin Organic Vermiculture Farm manufactures organic fertilizer known as biohumus, vermicompost or worm castings and red Californian worms (Eisenia foetida). Biohumus shows unique results in organic agriculture, farming, gardening, horticulture and floriculture.

Local Harvest

Local Harvest maintains a definitive and reliable public nationwide directory of small farms, farmers markets, and other local food sources. Our search engine helps people find local sources of sustainably grown food, and encourages them to establish direct contact with family farms in their local area.

LocalHarvest.org is offering a FREE listing in their electronic directory for family farmers selling directly to consumers, and for farmers' markets. You can get your own individual listing to tell consumers about your farm or farmers market, your location, what you have to sell, and even show pictures. Consumers can search the LocalHarvest.org directory by location or farm product to learn about food and fiber products grown near them. This is an excellent way for direct-market growers to expand their marketing potential - one that many Southern producers have not yet utilized.

NOTE: Southern SAWG is conducting a media comapign to get regional and national magazines and newspapers like Southern Living Magazine and Country Home magazine to educate consumers about the benefits of eating locally produced foods, and then directing them to www.LocalHarvest.org. For more information on this partnership effort of Southern SAWG and LocalHarvest.org, contact Jean Mills at 205-333-8504, or jeanmills@aol.com

NAFMNP - National Association of Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs

The WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs provide fresh produce to women, children, seniors, and additional income for farmers. Nearly 2.7 million people buy nutritious vegetables and fruits from over 14,400 farmers, at more than 2,000 community-based farmers markets, farm stands, and community supported agriculture programs.

National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture

The National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture is a network of diverse groups (partner organizations) whose mission is to shape national policies to foster a sustainable food and agricultural system ­ one that is economically viable, environmentally sound, socially just and humane. The Campaign helps formulate and promote federal legislation in support of sustainable agriculture, such as the new Conservation Security Program; and monitors implementation and funding appropriations for key programs like the National Organic Program, and Appropriate Technology Transfer to Rural Areas (ATTRA). Campaign partners work together to address critical issues that impact family farms, such as genetic engineering in agriculture, and concentration / corporate consolidation of farm commodity markets. Action alerts related to new or existing policy, rule making and funding appropriations, are issued regularly to partner organizations and interested individuals. If you would like more information on the National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture, or would like to receive action alerts, visit www.sustainableagriculture.net, or call 845-361-5201.

NCAT

NCAT's Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development program helps to provide practical and economical solutions to everyday problems for rural America.

U.S. farm families make use of NCAT's sustainable agriculture program to live a more profitable, healthier and happier life on the farm. NCAT's Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development projects provide services and information to help farmers reduce their use of pesticides and other expensive inputs, add a diversity of crops and livestock that add strength and flexibility to farm operations, incorporate new ways to market and add value to what they produce, improve soil fertility and water quality, and educate on how to become better stewards of natural resources and the environment.

NEWFARM.ORG

The Institute's web site, www.NewFarm.org reaches a global community of food producers to exchange valuable "farmer-to-farmer know-how." NewFarm.org presents compelling success stories with expert resources for crop and livestock production, direct marketing, local food systems, policy campaigns and community-building collaborations.

At NewFarm.org, the mission is to inform, encourage, equip and inspire farmers with the support they need to take the important transition steps toward regenerative agriculture. Newfarm.org is committed to working for the achievement of an important goal of The Rodale Institute: to assist and witness the emergence of 100,000 organic farmers in the United States and 1 million organic farmers worldwide, by the year 2013.

Om Grown from Yogaville Farm

Yogaville Farm is the home of Om Grown produce. Our goal is to provide vegetables, herbs and flowers that nourish the body and soul.

Healthy, alive soil and satvic energy surrounded by sacred land combine to produce food of the highest quality.

The Yogaville Farm is located at Satchidananda Ashram - Yogaville, Buckingham County in Central Virginia. Currently, the farm is about three acres of mostly vegetables and cut flowers. There is one greenhouse and several out buildings including one shed that dates back to the original homestead that has since dissapeared. All that remains is the shed, an old stone well, part of the brick foundation and vintage soda pop bottles that grow out of the earth sometimes. The food grown here supplies the Ashram kitchen, local community members, and several stores and restaurants in the region.

"On the Farm Radio"

Jeff Ishee's "On the Farm Radio" serves the rural and agricultural community over the entire Mid-Atlantic region. Site includes farm news stories, audio files of radio reports, a calendar of agriculture events in the region, and video clips from Jeff's weekly TV show "Virginia Farming." The site even contains a smattering of good, clean farm humor and "pearls of wisdom" submitted by listeners.

"On the Farm Radio" is broadcast six days a week on numerous affiliated radio stations.

organicfacts.net

Source of factual information on different aspects of Organic Living including Organic Food, Organic Gardening, Organic Fertilizers, Organic Stores and Organic Cosmetics.

Organic India

Vision: Conversion of agriculture to organic methods, improved health for the earth and its inhabitants, and greater awareness of and demand for organic products.

Mission: To generate credible, peer reviewed scientific information and communicate the verifiable benefits of organic farming and products to society.

Organic Farming Research Foundation

The Organic Farming Research Foundation is a non-profit foundation founded to sponsor research related to organic farming practices, to disseminate research results to organic farmers and to growers interested in adopting organic production systems, to educate the public and decision-makers about organic farming issues.

Organic India

Although a commercial website, Organic India is worthy of note; perhaps there is something to be learned from their model. In their own words, their vision is "To be a vehicle of consciousness in the global market by creating a holistic sustainable business modality, which inspires, promotes and supports well-being and respect for all beings and for Mother Nature."

Organic Trade Association (OTA)

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is a membership-based business association representing the organic industry in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmer associations, brokers, manufacturers, consultants, distributors and retailers. Established in 1985 as the Organic Foods Production Association of North America, the Organic Trade Association works to promote organic products in the marketplace and to protect the integrity of organic standards.

Organic Trade Association's "The O'Mama Report"

Organic Information and Inspiration:
The OíMama Report is an on-line resource for women who want to make the best possible decisions about organic agriculture and organic products. It is a community in which women share their experience, ideas and inspiration. Content for the site comes from members of the Organic Trade Association, the association for the organic industry in North America. All comments are welcome. Please contact us at info@theorganicreport.org.

PASA

Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) is a nonprofit organization working to improve the economic and social prosperity of Pennsylvania food and agriculture. We work with the farmers that grow our food, the consumers that eat the food, and those concerned with the ecological well-being of our environment and natural resources.

PASA is the only state-wide, member-based, sustainable farming organization in Pennsylvania and the Northeast. The Association seeks to address the sustainability of the entire food systems and places great value on efforts to build bridges between various and disparate participants in the food system.

Polyface Farm

Polyface, Inc. is a family owned, multi-generational, pasture-based, beyond organic, local-market farm and informational outreach in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley.

We produce:

• Salad Bar Beef
• Pigaerator Pork
• Pastured Poultry (Eggs, Broilers, Turkeys)
• Forage-Based Rabbits
• Forestry Products

We are in the redemption business: healing the land, healing the food, healing the economy, and healing the culture. Writing, speaking, and farm tours offer various message venues.

SARE-Virginia

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, Virginia Chapter.
SARE works to increase knowledge about -- and help farmers and ranchers adopt -- practices that are economically viable, environmentally sound and socially responsible. To advance such knowledge nationwide, SARE administers a competitive grants program first funded by Congress in 1988

Seven Springs Farm

Seven Springs Farm is a 125 acre organic farm in Floyd County, Virginia, USA. Our philosophy is to be stewards of the land in the most ecological way possible. We use farming methods that build the fertility of the soil, such as organic fertilizers and biodynamically made compost. Pest management is achieved through cultural practices and biological and botanically-based materials.

We carry a large variety of Natural Fertilizers, Animal Supplements, Pest Management, Grower's Supplies, and Seed. We are presently fully stocked with all the items listed in our catalog. For more information about the organic standards go to the catalog section of our website.

The farm is home to a Community Supported Agriculture Garden. We have about 4 1/2 acres in vegetables. We use organic and biodynamic practices and are committed to providing high quality food and preserving our rural economy. The CSA concept is based on the assumption that farmers around the world have a right to a decent living. Consumers have a right to know how their food is produced and information about the farmer and about the farm where it is grown. When you buy a share in our CSA, you are voting with your dollars for the restoration of our region's farmland and rural economy, and for protection of farmlands and farm workers worldwide. As sustainable farming connects us with the Earth, community support connects us to each other. Come join us to create and secure your own food supply.

We host a Work Apprentice Program designed to teach an individual a realistic view of what is involved in running an organic farm. The apprentice will learn many aspects of organic farming, including vegetable production, organizational management of the CSA and a variety of homesteading skills. Check our website for detailed information .

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange is located near Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in the gently rolling foothills of Central Virginia. Although we emphasize varieties adapted to the Mid-Atlantic region, we serve gardeners throughout the United States and Canada. A large percentage of the seed and bulb varieties we offer are grown by us or our growers. We have a commitment to quality in all aspects of our service to our customers.

Our seed company started in 1982 as an outgrowth of a love affair with heirloom varieties and in seed saving. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange had its beginning in our small family garden and a kitchen co-opted for seed processing. The kitchen garden has since expanded to numerous growing areas supplemented by a nationwide seed grower network. Now the seed company has its own office, germination testing facility, and environmentally controlled seed storage areas. From the beginning we have believed that our seed company serves: (1) as a source for new, high performance varieties, and (2) most importantly, as a preservation tool for collecting and distributing varieties with special qualities: varieties with heritage, flavor, disease resistance, or other qualities of interest to gardeners.

SSAWG

The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, or Southern SAWG, is a regional umbrella organization created to enhance the impact of the sustainable agriculture movement in the South. It provides a vibrant network linking many individuals and over 100 constituent organizations like VABF throughout the Southern region. Its annual Conference on Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms provides a great opportunity for producers, educators and advocates gather to learn new techniques, exchange ideas and information, and build lasting connections. In addition, Southern SAWG offers innovative learning opportunities like the Experienced Organic Farmers' Network, the Farm-Based Enterprise Development network, and an Internet-Based Services project to develop markets via the Internet.

Southern SAWG has just received funding to provide free technical assistance to growers or others who are seeking to establish elements of community food systems, from farmers' markets and CSAs to farm-to-school program and buy-local campaigns. We also provide capacity building assistance for constituent organizations, and education on farm policy issues related to sustainable agriculture.

NOTE: Southern SAWG is conducting a media comapign to get regional and national magazines and newspapers like Southern Living Magazine and Country Home magazine to educate consumers about the benefits of eating locally produced foods, and then directing them to www.LocalHarvest.org. For more information on this partnership effort of Southern SAWG and LocalHarvest.org, contact Jean Mills at 205-333-8504, or jeanmills@aol.com

VA AG Info

SAVE TIME. LEARN MORE.

Those are the basic reasons why you--and your friends involved with Virginia farming--should sign up for this new, free, email newsletter.

The media, industry and various government agencies are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars (and hours of work) reporting on the changing business and culture of modern Virginia agriculture. Recently, most good reporting on the state farming industry has been finding its way to the Internet.

No one has been collecting all of this useful online agricultural news in a convenient place on a regular, timely basis. Thus, this new email newsletteróVaAgInfo.

VABF Foundation

The VABF Foundation is a public foundation. The Foundation's purpose is primarily fundraising and fund distribution for 501^(c)(3) eligible education and research activities within Virginia. The Foundation raises financial support for the advancement of ecological, sustainable and organic agriculture, and local communities.

VDACS Marketing Services

VDACS MARKETING SERVICES assists the state's varied agricultural community by enabling producers and processors to locate the best markets for their products both here at home and abroad. The Division of Marketing serves producers, commodity boards and associations, retailers and buyers by providing marketing assistance. Field offices are located throughout the state as well as overseas in Hong Kong and Brussels.

Virginia Farmers Direct Marketing Association (VFDMA)

Virginia’s direct marketers are a very diverse group, producing a vast array of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as herbs, honey, meat and dairy products, Christmas trees, and value-added products. These products are marketed directly to the consumer in a variety of ways – pick-your-own, through on-farm markets, and at roadside stands and farmers’ markets. Many direct marketing operations also offer educational and entertaining programs for their customers.

Weathertop Farm, Check, Virginia

Weathertop Farm is a small family-owned and operated farm dedicated to holistic sustainable animal husbandry, land stewardship, soil conservation, and composting. The main business of Weathertop Farm is raising and selling pastured chickens, rabbits, pigs, turkeys, and eggs. No antibiotics or hormones are used, and all livestock eat from pasture that is free of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers.

Weathertop Farm
963 Eanes Rd, NE
Check, VA 24072
info@weathertopfarm.com
(540) 651-2010