Loudoun students will enjoy another All-Star roster of farmer trading cards this spring, thanks to a strong collaboration between Loudoun Economic Development and the Loudoun County Public Schools’ Nutrition Services office.

The award-winning initiative, now in its sixth year, has become a favorite among students and farmers alike. This year, in addition to the physical cards, students will receive video messages from each of the featured farmers, showing them an educational aspect of farming. Hear from Farmer Vishali of Sprouting Roots Farm:

Farmer Vishali, Sprouting Roots Farm

Years in farming: 1 year.
Produces/Grows: Indian ethnic vegetables, greens, and herbs.
Where to find your products: Our website.
Why did you choose this product: To bring some of the hard-to-find Asian vegetables to local families in their freshest form.
What is something you’ve learned: The value of hard work and patience.
Who taught you to farm: Virginia Cooperative Extension, my parents and some was self-taught.
What is special about your farm: Our farm is owned and managed by women, and 90% of our crop is Asian vegetables.
What inspired you to start: Sprouting Roots Farm is my first step towards bringing my family back to the roots. Our goal is also to inspire more people to take a step towards reclaiming the soil and eventually increase more small regenerative farms.