We love our farm markets and have done a great job supporting them and proving our local pride, but do we want to be farmers? No, the lure is with the end result, not with the day-to-day work involved in running the demanding business. That surprising bit of information coupled with continuing negative economic woes was a shocker. All hope is not lost as we can dine out and support the farmers.

Next week, October 10-16 is American Farmland Trust’s Dine Out for Farms. The inaugural event joins restaurants and their suppliers who support the sustainable lifestyle. We can dine at one of the many participating restaurants and benefit the growers, and, of course, the restaurants. You’ll be pleased to see many familiar Piedmont names such as Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm in Broadlands, American Flatbread in Ashburn, and The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville. Take advantage of the program and check with each of the restaurants to learn the specifics. As the start date approaches, look for any last minute additions.

This is a true win-win situation. As our farm market season draws to a close, we can visit restaurants that have a passionate connection to maintaining the freshness of their products whether they grow some of their produce as Willow Creek and Patowmack or just staunch supporters of the sustainable process. As the Trust’s motto says: No Farms, No Food.