There is lots of activity at Victory Farms despite the long winter that is preventing Charlie and Gina Collins (the owners) from planting many spring crops in the fields. 

Fields with lettuce growing in the foreground and mulch dumping in the background.

Just after I arrived, Victory Farms was receiving mulch from Hanover County–which has a large composting operation. The mulch is used to mulch paths and is also added to compost to enrich the soil and build ground cover. 

pushing mulch out the back of a truck

An active compost operation is one of the many sustainable practices of Victory Farms. The farm is also Certified Naturally Grown, a certification that is as strict, and in many cases stricter than USDA Organic standards. Certified Naturally Grown is a non-profit organization that primarily certifies smaller organic farms that cater to local clients. USDA certification requires too much expenditure and time to make it a worthwhile venture for most small farms. 

While there were not many crops out in the field (only garlic, spinach and lettuce), there were three hoop houses full of life. Two hoop houses and one hot house provide space for starting seedlings and growing vegetables. A good thing, since Victory Farm recently increased their CSA subscription to 400 people with the addition of a new field.

plastic covered rows prevent weed growth on a new field

To learn more, visit: 

Victory Farms Web site
Certified Naturally Grown