About SFOP
Virginia Small Farm Outreach Program
Educating and empowering Virginia's small farmers and ranchers -- providing the training, resources, and technical assistance to build stronger, more sustainable farm operations.
Our Mission
What We Do
Training and technical assistance that supports Virginia's small, minority, and veteran farmers.
We provide outreach and learning opportunities in production management, financial and risk management, marketing, USDA assistance programs, and more. Currently, SFOP provides educational programming across 74 Virginia counties, with a focus on improving farm profitability, sustainability, and long-term success.
Program Goals
01
Understand the real challenges small and beginning farmers face
02
Identify resources available from agencies and service providers who support small farmers
03
Strengthen SFOP's support through the Virginia Small Farm Resource Center
Program Impact
SFOP by the Numbers
8,573+
Activities Recorded
Educational programs, farm visits, workshops, and outreach events across Virginia
62,601+
Farmers & Attendees Reached
Producers, ranchers, and community members served through SFOP programs
117
Virginia Counties Served
Agents working across the Commonwealth to reach farmers where they are
10,446+
Program Hours Delivered
Hours of hands-on training, technical assistance, and one-on-one farm support
What We Offer
How SFOP Helps Farmers
Free programs and services available to all Virginia farmers.
Start & Grow Your Farm
Workshops on record keeping, farm planning, financial management, marketing, and estate planning for long-term farm sustainability.
Manage Risk
Education on crop, livestock, financial, legal, and human resource risks through workshops, farm visits, newsletters, and field days.
Access USDA Programs
One-on-one help applying for FSA loans, farm ownership financing, and USDA grants designed for small, minority, and veteran farmers.
Expert Training & Farm Visits
Agents provide hands-on training and one-on-one farm visits across Virginia, connecting farmers with state and federal services.
Our Story
Background & History
In 2018, Virginia State University's Small Farm Outreach Program received funding from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to build the Virginia Small Farm Resource Center -- a clearinghouse of information, resources, and news to improve the profitability and sustainability of Virginia's small and beginning farmers.
Over the past decade, SFOP has established itself as a leader in training and technical assistance for minority, limited-resource, and military veteran farmers and ranchers across Virginia -- part of Virginia State University's Cooperative Extension program.
Participation
Open to All
Participation is voluntary and open to all Virginia farmers. Most programs are offered free of charge. Farmers may be referred through USDA FSA, community leaders, other farmers, or by reaching out directly to an SFOP agent.
Our Partners
Virginia State University
Virginia Cooperative Extension
USDA
Virginia Tech
Local Governments
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia State University, Virginia Tech, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility.