If Farm Aid’s stage is the heart of Farm Aid, the HOMEGROWN Village is the hands!
In the HOMEGROWN Village, festivalgoers will explore interactive exhibits and activities that engage all of their senses. Food and farm groups from across the country showcase exhibits about soil, water, energy, food and farming through art, games, and hands-on activities. In the HOMEGROWN Skills area, festivalgoers attend skillshares and demonstrations, celebrate the culture of agriculture and go home with new skills. Farmers, farm activists and festivalgoers come together in the FarmYard to meet and share stories. On the FarmYard Stage farmers and concert artists discuss urgent issues.
Look below for a taste of what was in the HOMEGROWN Village at Farm Aid’s 40th anniversary festival.
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Eat Your ZipcodePowering the FarmThe Fertile GroundVeteran’s Space In Farmers We Trust Art in the Village Advocacy Action CenterThe HOMEGROWN Skills TentThe FarmYard Stage
HOMEGROWN Village
What does local food mean to you? How can we all eat closer to home and support family farmers in our area? What does it look like to eat with the seasons and truly relish the pleasure of eating? How can we all participate in a strong, local Good Food Movement?
Spin the Wheel on Meat Processing
Presented by Flower Hill Institute
If you’re looking to chat about diversified meat and poultry processing systems, this is the spin the wheel for you! Stop by this booth to learn everything you ever wanted to know about meat processing, and things being done to improve supply chains for farmers and ranchers!
Heartfelt Postcards
Presented by the Roanoke Foodshed Network
Create a handmade postcard and then write a heartfelt message of appreciation to a family farmer. Help strengthen the connection between the people who grow our food and the communities they nourish.
Wagon Wheel of Fortune
Presented by the 4P Foods
Step up and spin the Wagon Wheel of Fortune to discover how local food travels from farm to table, tackle real-world farming challenges and see how food hubs connect multiple farms to bring fresh, local food to communities.
The ‘How’ Behind Local Food
Presented by the Federation of Virginia Food Banks on behalf of the Virginia Food Access Coalition
Explore the surprising ways local food reaches every table and add your voice to a growing chain of solutions making fresh, local food available to everyone.
Community Recipe Board
Presented by the RAFI
Contribute your favorite hometown recipe and where you’re from, adding to a growing community display throughout the day. Explore the recipes shared and let them spark conversations about food, culture and the communities that grow and share it.
Know Your Produce
Presented by the Support + Feed
Think you Know Your Produce? Come see just how well you know your favorites – when they are in season, where they grow best and how they make it to your plate!
Harvesting with the Seasons – Wild Rice
Presented by the Wicoie Nandagikendan & American Indian Movement (AIM)
If you’ve ever wondered where wild rice comes from, its history and how it’s harvested, be sure to stop by this table! Explore the traditional food systems of Minnesota’s Ojibwe and Dakota peoples, with a particular emphasis on the seasonal harvesting of traditional foods across the Midwest.
What are the farm-based innovations, alternative energy sources, growing methods, and models will power us into the future?
Big Bubble Dream
Presented by the Virginia SARE
What is your “Big Bubble Dream” for sustainable agriculture? Join the Virginia SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education) team to dream big with giant bubbles and a participatory mural while learning about innovative sustainable agriculture research led by Virginia farmers.
Reflecting on American Agriculture
Presented by the American Sustainable Business Network
Come to reflect in this space where simple prompts will guide written reflections and short conversations, all while seeing how others experience and talk about agriculture today.
Bicycle Powered Water Pump
Presented by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)
How much water can you move? Race the clock on a bicycle-powered water pump and experience firsthand the energy behind farming.
Clean soil and water are essential to life and to farming. Check out these exhibits to learn all about healthy soil, and flowing water. Find out the intricate relationships of water, soil, and agriculture, and maybe learn some things you can take home to your farm, garden, or local community.
The Soil is ALIVE!
Presented by Virginia Association for Biological Farming
Get up close and personal with soil. Peer into a microscope to get a close-up on the organic matter that brings soil to life and see what’s going on in the ground beneath our feet.
The Three ‘F’s – Fiber, Food, Forest
Presented by Croatan Institute
Resilient food, fiber and forest systems are possible! Come build community and soil wealth by unearthing effective financial moves for a just and equitable future.
Get Your Hands Dirty
Presented by Farmhand Foundation
Join Farmhand Foundation to experience the journey from food scraps to healthy soil through a hands-on, compost bioreactor demonstration. Leave with a custom screen print.
Soil Detectives, Assemble!
Presented by Virginia Soil Health Coalition
Become a Soil Detective by uncovering the story beneath your very feet. Come discover how healthy soils sustain our food, our communities and our future.
Picture This: A World Made of Hemp
Presented by Virginia Industrial Hemp Alliance and HWP World
If you think hemp is just a nutritious additive to your morning smoothie, think again! Hemp has so many different uses that you might lose count. Hemp can be used for construction material, textiles and more. Stop by this exhibit to learn more and maybe do some construction work yourself.
Everything is Connected – No, Really, It Is
Presented by Environmental Working Group
Follow the science from the plate back to the field, and from the field down to the soil beneath it. Learn how the health of our bodies, our water, our climate and our farming communities all run through our soils.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot
Presented by the Farm Aid Green Team, Tidewater Compost, and Drishti Compost
The Waste-Wise Challenge: How Do You Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot? Curious about compost? Look no further. Come learn all about composting on different scales, how it works and why it’s important.
Crops Connect Communities
Presented by Michael Fields Agricultural Institute
Use sweet-potato stamps to make and send a Farm Aid postcard for a foodie, or farm-y friend! While you are expressing yourself via sweet potato explore the world of soil-building staple crops and common grains that unite us across the globe.
Join Us, Veterans’ Space
In acknowledgement of the 250th year of America, and the significance of the military and veterans along this stretch of coast in Hampton Roads, we have a veterans’ space in the HOMEGROWN Village this year. Three farmer veteran organizations represent the importance of veterans to farming and the importance of farming to veterans: The National Farmer Veteran Coalition, The Veterans Farm of North Carolina and Protectors to Providers.
Pet a Lamb and Learn About Farmer Veterans
Presented by The Veteran’s Farm of North Carolina
Join the Veteran’s Farm of North Carolina to learn about the importance of farming to veterans and of veterans to farming. Also stop by to meet little lamb Rose!
250 Veteran-Owned Farms!
Presented by the National Farmer Veteran Coalition
Commemorate America 250 with The Farmer Veteran Coalition. Celebrate 250 veteran-owned farms across the nation through immersive storytelling, videos and interactive displays that connect military service, sustainable agriculture and America’s food system.
Training Farmer Veterans in Virginia
Presented by the Protectors to Providers
Visit with this local to Virginia group to learn about efforts in the state to train Virginia veterans in the skills they need to farm.
Farmers are the backbone of America’s food system and our economy. What does it take to be a farmer? Who are our farmers? What wisdom comes with being a farmer? What challenges and opportunities exist for family farmers of all generations and backgrounds? How can we ensure, sustain and support the future of farming in America?
Udderly Awesome Farm Trivia
Presented by Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund
Test your knowledge of food laws, and learn about the challenging regulations small food producers face. You’ll also learn about solutions that can help producers better navigate the laws and more easily get their products to customers.
Ocean Friendly Farming
Presented by Inland Ocean Coalition
Learn about how farming in the ocean compares to farming on land, and what it takes to be a steward of the environment when the food you grow comes from the sea.
Don’t Just Shop – Shop Kind!
Presented by the ASPCA
Do you know how to ShopKind? Check out this new tool to find humane, pasture-based products wherever you shop. Test your label knowledge to figure out if you’re being duped by factory farming’s misleading claims.
Not Your Average Goose!
Presented by The Livestock Conservancy
Join the Livestock Conservancy to learn how farmers are supporting biodiversity in agriculture by stewarding rare livestock and poultry breeds. Greet some geese while you’re at it!
Activate Your Art
Presented by the Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT)
Make your voice heard by filling out a farm-themed postcard with a federal policy ask! The fine folks at FACT will deliver these postcards to the appropriate federal lawmakers. Let your creativity flow as you stand up for farmers through art.
What Does It Mean To Be A Farmer
Presented by the Rural Coalition
Join Rural Coalition in a collaborative art exhibit to support diversity in our farmscape and express what being a farmer means to you.
Ask An Expert
Presented by the Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network (DBAN)
The “Ask An Expert” exhibit gives farmers and other festivalgoers a chance to sit down and chat in a relaxed atmosphere with experts in farm finance and farm programs.
Facts About Factory Farm Nation
Presented by the Food & Water Watch
Think you know about corporate consolidation and factory farming? Test your knowledge about the “Factory Farm Nation,” how it impacts consumers, farmers and the environment, and how we can fight back.
Say Cheese & Express Your Love
Presented by the National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC)
Take a photo that represents what a future with farmers means to you. Then take a moment to write a love letter to a farmer. Join NYFC to learn how to support the next generation of farmers!
Get a Bills-Eye!
Presented by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) and FarmSTAND
Take aim (at a velcro dart board) with NSAC and FarmSTAND and test your throwing arm and brain power with farm policy trivia! You’ll also be able to make your mark on a community art project. Learn how we all can influence our food system to center farmers and help protect democracy in the process.
Is This Thing On?
Presented by the Virginia Tech Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation
We want to hear what you think! Stop by this exhibit that will provide you with prompts that spark conversation. Then, if you’re so inclined, stay for an interview and share your reflections on farming, soil health and community.
Harvest History!
Presented by the National Family Farm Coalition
It’s time to harvest history! Roll up your sleeves and dig into the soil to unearth the hidden stories of the decades-long, family farm movement. Fascinating tales buried by time await your discovery!
Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food
Presented by the Central Virginia Agrarian Commons
Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food! Share your knowledge of Virginia farmers and leave learning more than you came with!
Meet Native Producers
Presented by the Intertribal Agriculture Council
Match the Native farmer or rancher to what they produce! From bison to fiber, learn more about Native producers and where they are located in the country.
Matching Conservation Practices
Presented by Pasa
Test your wits with farm Technical Assistance Providers. This engaging matching game will have you uncovering what you know about farm conservation practices and learning more along the way.
How Many Tomatoes Can You Pick?
Presented by the Legal Aid Justice Center
Get a taste of the work farmworkers do by picking as many tomatoes as possible off a tomato plant within a limited time. Stay afterwards to chat about what being a farmworker in Virginia is like.
We Hold These Truths
Presented by the The Smithsonian Center for Folk Life and Cultural Heritage
Share your story with “We Hold These Truths (WHTT)!” This mobile interview station gathers stories about people’s connections to place, culture and history, including the 250th anniversary of the United States. What is a “truth” that is self-evident to your community that others should know about?
Art in the Village
Community Weaving with Local Fibers
Presented by The Chesapeake Fibershed
Join Chesapeake Fibershed at the loom and weave part of the community rug! Learn about weaving, local fiber and the network of producers, processors and makers building a sustainable fiber system centered around fibers, dyes and labor within the Chesapeake Watershed.
A Bespoke Poem Just for You
Presented by Poems for the People VA
Step up to this magical exhibit and have a poem typed for you on the spot! Hang around to participate in a community art project, and enjoy the tactile delight of using a typewriter.
It’s Definitely A ViBe
Presented by ViBe Creative District
Come together and add some color to this community mural, designed and led by a local artist, painted by you!
Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly doesn’t happen alone. Policy is a powerful tool to shift the food systems and agricultural practices in our country. It starts with getting informed, learning about the issues, learning about how to add your voice to the conversation, it can start today in the HOMEGROWN Village at the Advocacy Action Center!
Advocate, Vote, Action!
Presented by Farm Aid
Join us at the Farm Aid tent to take a photo with a life sized cut out of Willie Nelson, and take a look at our brand new Guide to Action!
Register to Vote!
Presented by the HeadCount
Get registered to vote today! HeadCount is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that harnesses the power of music, culture and digital media to register voters and inspire participation in democracy.
The HOMEGROWN Skills Tent promises to be chock full of learning and fun! Participate in workshops and demonstrations to learn new skills.
Skills Tent Demonstrations
Salsa on My Mind: Homegrown Salsa y Agua Fresca 101
Presented by Silvia Cruz, El Gallo Cafe in Cheriton, Va
Join us in the Skills Tent for flavor, culture and community during this salsa, agua fresca and tortilla demonstration. Learn how to process watermelon and cantaloupe into agua fresca, corn and tomatoes into salsa and how to make handmade tortillas.
Silvia Cruz was born in Mexico and moved to the Eastern Shore with her parents who earned their living as seasonal/migrant farmworkers. They chose to make the Shore their home, and Sylvia’s work in food and hospitality today is creating connections between the Latino community and their neighbors. She recently opened El Gallo, a restaurant and farmstand, with her daughter in Cheriton. Come learn how to make these refreshing
Hurtin’ (With Compact Soil): Restoring Soil with Cover Crops 101
Presented by Thelonius Cook, Mighty Thundercloud Edible Forest in Birdsnest, VA
Learn the fundamentals of purposeful cover cropping — selecting and using crops strategically to improve soil health, suppress weeds, manage pests and boost yields. During this demonstration you’ll figure out how to match cover crop species to the needs of your space, along with practical planting and termination techniques.
Thelonious Cook is president of the Mid-Atlantic Black Farmer Caucus and works on inherited family land in Birdsnest, VA, where he’s been restoring it from hard-compacted, monocrop-depleted dirt to nutritious soil. He also farms a half acre at his home in Hampton. He practices regenerative agriculture and grows a variety of small-scale crops, fruit trees and raises small-scale heritage livestock. Be sure to join us in the Skills Tent to make sure you know which cover crop mix is best for your soil type, climate and growing goals.
Hey Hey, Fry Fry: Eastern-Shore Clam Fritters 101
Presented by Sean Hart, Exmore Diner, Exmore, VA
Sean Hart is owner of the Exmore diner, a beloved classic diner that serves hyper-regional cuisine, like fried clam fritters. Sean serves up his fritters — made with six ingredients and locally farmed clams — by the gallon to loving customers. During this cooking demonstration, Sean will talk about the history and importance of the aquaculture industry to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, as well as some of the food traditions behind this uniquely regional dish.
Sean and Crystal Hart own the Exmore Diner and Salt & Sand Family Restaurant. Sean knows seafood through and through, as he spent part of his career working as a commercial fisherman. Come to Skills Tent to learn Sean’s recipe so that you can make this Eastern Shore classic at home.
Little ditty ’bout raw fleece and yarn: Processing wool 101
Presented by Susan Skalak and Walter Gray, The Chesapeake Fibershed, VA
Starting with a fleece, this demonstration will show you how to scour (wash), dry, pick (separate) the locks, card (align) the fiber and turn the fiber into roving. Susan Skalak and Walter Gray of the Chesapeake Fibershed will simultaneously talk about the importance of a sustainable, regional network between fiber producers, processing mills, dyers, artisans and enthusiastic users.
Susan has had a varied career, from a degree in Engineering from the University of Tennessee, to an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University, followed by a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and then to joining the faculty at University of Virginia. But it was during the break between undergrad and grad school that Susan learned to sew and tailor clothing. In the early 2000s Susan owned a fabric store and started a fiber farm. Although seemingly different skill sets, each of her experiences has led to her commitment to regenerative farming and the making of clothing in a circular system.
Walter has honed his skills in both his home studio and through his community. He is an emerging, local fiber artist, intrigued by all things textile and tactile. With a focus on plant-based fibers, Walter spins, dyes, weaves and sometimes naps in open fields. He is excited to build community through the practice of art.
All Day Activities
Seeds Marching: Farm Aid 2026 HOMEGROWN Seed Swap
Facilitated by Reana Kim from Share a Seed and Black Rabbit Apothecary
Farmers and gardeners: Bring seeds from home and come on down to the HOMEGROWN Skills Tent. Meet enthusiastic seed savers, share some of your own seeds and go home with new varieties to try! If you’re bringing seeds, please keep them domestic, in a sealed envelope and labeled.
On the FarmYard Stage, farmers and artists will discuss pressing issues and share inspiring stories showcasing food and farming in the region and across the country.
Coming Soon
Information about this year’s FarmYard stage conversations are coming soon…
Learn more about the Farm Aid festival
