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Food Heritage Planning Blog

by Emily Kilroy

Students in the spring semester course, Food Heritage Planning, are sharing personal stories, insights, and findings on the course blog. We’ve added a link to the header of this website in order for you to follow along on their journey of discovery. Enjoy it! http://pages.shanti.virginia.edu/PLAC_5500_FoodHerit/

Local Wine a Boon for Virginia

by Emily Kilroy

An economic impact study on the Virginia wine industry comparing 2005 and 2010 found that the number of full-time jobs in the industry has grown by 50% and the overall economic impact of the industry more than doubled - generating nearly $750 million in revenue. The economic impact takes into account sales of wine, but also revenue generated from wineries, restaurants, and retail outlets. During this period, the number of wineries increased, as did the number of grape growers and grape acreage. Wine tourism is growing as well, seeing a 62% rise in visitors and an 86% rise in revenues. The Virginia Wine Industry has had strong support from ... [more]

Two local food organizations were featured last week in the area’s own Daily Progress.

by Emily Kilroy

The Local Food Hub was recognized for both serving as a crucial link between farms and consumers and for providing resources to farmers on important issues like extending the growing season. High and low tunnels allow farmers to extend the growing season on both ends, helping to keep a more steady supply of local produce in the region. RelayFoods received a $3.1 million investment from Battery Ventures, a Massachusetts-based investment group. The funds will help RelayFoods expand their operations and provide enhanced customer service. RelayFoods connects local food producers with customers through an online grocery store interface. You ... [more]

Feature Story

Morven Summer Institute 2012 Announced

The Morven Summer Institute is an innovative summer program hosted at Morven Farm, an emerging landscape for interdisciplinary learning for the University of Virginia. At the Morven Summer Institute, undergraduate and graduate students with interests in sustainability, design, food systems, and ecology will have the opportunity to escape traditional confines of the classroom while working on projects with real-world applications.

Students participating in the 2012 Morven Summer Institute select one 3-credit course from either (or both) of the 10-day summer blocks (Block A: May 14-May 25 and Block B: May 29-June 9). In conjunction with time spent in the classroom at Morven, this interdisciplinary program features guest speakers, field trips, active group discussions, and hands-on projects to ignite creative collaboration among students and faculty.

The Morven Summer Institute is a collaborative effort involving faculty from the School of Architecture and the College of Arts and Sciences; the Office of the Vice President for Research; and the Office of Summer and Special Academic Programs. Students from all years, departments, and outside Universities are welcome to join the Morven community for this unique program.

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