Virginia’s food system directly impacts the survival and viability of farms and farmland; the economic development of rural and urban communities; the care, restoration, and resilience of ecological resources such as local waterways; and critical health issues. We use the language of community, local, and regional food systems to broadly define a complex and interconnected set of systems and pathways that comprise sustainable food production, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management to bring about social, economic, and ecological change that benefits all residents.

Companion Planting is the art of growing two or more compatible plants in close proximity to attract beneficial insects, repel pests and generally improve the growth of some or all of the plants involved. This is best exemplified by the three plants - corn, pole beans, and squash, popularly known as “the Three Sisters”. When planted together, the Three Sisters work together to help one another thrive and survive. Among them, corn is referred to as “the supportive sister”, as it provides support to the bean plant that has a climbing habit. The bean plant itself is referred to as “the giving sister”, due to its ability as a legume to fix nitrogen that is helpful to all three plants. The last member, squash is referred to as “the protective sister” due to its ability to cover the soil and prevent soil moisture loss. In addition, the squash produces prickly vines that would keep pests such as rabbits away. Companion planting is used by farmers and gardeners in both industrialized and developing countries for many reasons. These include pest management, nitrogen fixation, providing support of one plant by another, enhancing nutrient uptake, and water conservation among other benefits. This may lead to increased crop productivity as well as enhancement of biodiversity.