2012 PRESS RELEASES
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October 23, 2012
SMALL FARMS, PART OF THE FUTURE OF VIRGINIA AGRICULTURE
Contact: Elaine J. Lidholm, 804.786.7686
On October 18, 2012, Doug and Lisa Bowen officially opened their Country Charm Farm, LLC. In his keynote remarks, Matt Lohr, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, said wherever he goes in Virginia, people ask him about the future of agriculture. “This is it,” he said, gesturing to the farm and country store. “I’m not saying that large agriculture is going away, or ever will, but these small farms are popping up all over the place and in addition to providing local products, they help teach consumers what agriculture is all about.”
This new operation raises and breeds registered dairy goats and runs a licensed cheese room and country store. The owners also breed Turkish guardian dogs such as the ones who guard the two Country Charm flocks, one of does and one of bucks.
The country store features Country Charm Farm cheese, and local vendors and artisans offer products such as pasture-raised meat, local honey, “Essence of Goat” fertilizer, high-fired stoneware pottery, planters, stained and fused glass, jams, jellies, pickles, relishes and natural fiber textiles. Owner Lisa Bowen also teaches cheese and soap making classes on site.
Country Charm Farm is located in Halifax, V. Click here for more information and photographs.
Photo 1: Lisa Bowen cuts the ribbon to official open Country Charm Farm. L to R, 1st row: Steven Versen, VDACS; Robert Mills, member of the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services representing the 5th Congressional District; Matthew J. Lohr, VDACS Commissioner; Lisa and Doug Bowen, owners of Country Charm Farm; Robins Buck, VDACS. 2nd row: Chris West, Field Representative for Congressman Robert Hurt; Tom West, Chairman, District 2 Supervisor, Halifax County Board of Supervisors; and Sheila Bradley, Legislative Aide for Delegate James Edmunds.
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