This is the second Forum for Rural Innovation. The purpose of the Forum is to showcase replicable innovative ideas, projects or programs that enhance farm or rural business profitability, conserve farm land and natural resources, or develop new approaches to rural prosperity that are viable in an expensive farmland-upscale consumer environment. The Forum has been planned to feature a series of presentations, with an emphasis on farming for high profitability by using innovative and sound business approaches particularly suited to the Mid-Atlantic region. Topics have been chosen to present practical examples of successful innovative operations that could be adapted to area farms. The program will feature some of the most progressive and recognized farms and researchers in the United States. This year we are pleased to welcome Virginia

Cooperative Extension as a partner in sponsoring the Forum for Rural Innovation. We have also added the opportunity to area innovative rural businesses to exhibit their products and/or production techniques.