Announces Partnership with Four Local Farms
Leesburg, Virginia, April 2018 … For the past 20 years, The National Conference Center has been fully committed to creating and implementing policies that minimize its impact on the environment. New this year and in time to celebrate Earth Day, April 22, The National is proud to enhance its food and beverage program by partnering with four local Virginia farms. “There continues to be a demand for farm-to-table cuisine, but The National is taking things one step further and going ‘hyperlocal’ working with as many local farmers as possible to source the food,’ says Executive Chef Todd Goldian.
- CEA Farms is owned and operated by Donnie Virts, whose family has farmed in Loudoun County, Virginia, since 1797. CEA Farms produces enough lettuces, tomatoes and greens for The National to feed 1,200 people per day. The property’s partnership with Virts has grown over the years and Mr. Virts says, “I hope to be able to grow my business with the help of The National to someday have a greenhouse right on The National’s property. That to me would be fresh beyond fresh.”
- Silcott Springs Farm, located in Purcellville, Virginia, is farmed by Sam Grant. The National buys all of the property’s pasture-raised beef and Bratwurst from Mr. Grant; and in return, The National’s kitchen staff saves all the leftover fruit and vegetable trim for his livestock. Let’s say, “We’re taking care of each other,” says Chef Goldian.
- Spring House Farm and farmer Andrew Crush’s pasture-raised pork contains no hormones, no antibiotics and are GMO-Free. The National purchases hot and sweet Italian sausage and specialty pork products from Mr. Crush.
- Yohanan Farm, a small scale family farm in Purcellville, is farmed by Joel Johnson. The National purchases all its pasture-raised whole chickens (on average, 200/week). Every day, Mr. Johnson moves the birds to fresh pasture for unlimited foraging and play.
The food and beverage program is just one department that supports The National’s Sustainability mission. Each year, The National participates in the Loudoun Green Business Challenge, which brings the Green Team together to collaborate on new sustainability achievements. “We’re proud to be one of the leading green conference centers and businesses in Loudoun County, Virginia, who are focused on advancing green meetings and events,” says Geoff Lawson, Vice President and General Manager of The National.
In addition, The National Conference Center is a certified member of Green Seal™, which is based on waste minimization, water and energy efficiency, hazardous substance handling, and an environmental purchasing policy. To learn more about The National’s Sustainability Program, click here.
To continue the Earth Day Celebration, The National’s Black Olive Bar & Grill will offer wine from Trinity Oaks Vineyard for $5/glass the month of April. Trinity Oaks’ “One Bottle, One Tree” program is a program where for every bottle of wine The National purchases, a tree will be planted.
Mary Watson-DeLauder, Chief Wine Officer for The National, and Dustin Spenser, Black Olive Manager, will be planting their summer garden starting on Earth Day. Mary and her team will be hosting Herb and Wine tastings throughout the summer for Black Olive Club Members. To learn more about this free club membership, click here.
