News Flash

After nearly two decades of service and advocacy, Lisa Dearden, the driving force behind some of Central Virginia’s most beloved farmers markets, has announced her retirement. Her dedication to sustainable agriculture, local food systems, and community support has left a lasting mark on the region.

Dearden’s journey began in 2005 after a series of accidents and health challenges led her to embrace a cleaner, healthier lifestyle. Following her move to Goochland in 2002, she immersed herself in horticulture studies at Reynolds Community College, earning a Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture and an A.A.S. in Horticulture. Her volunteer work with the Center for Rural Culture sparked a passion for farmers markets, leading her to become the organization's first Executive Director.

In 2011, she founded the Manakin Market, which quickly became one of the largest farmers markets in the region. Over the years, she expanded her impact by launching the Goochland Farmers Market in the Courthouse area and establishing RVAg, a non-profit dedicated to supporting local food systems. Under her leadership, RVAg has managed six weekly seasonal markets and provided assistance to hundreds if not thousands of farmers, producers, and artisans.

Dearden also served as a founding steering committee member of the Virginia Farmers Market Association (VAFMA) and later served as Board Treasurer for many years, hosting annual Board retreats and helping to plan numerous statewide conferences. She played a key role in VAFMA’s efforts to gain 501(c)(3) status and was part of the committee that interviewed and hired the organization's first Executive Director. VAFMA has since grown significantly and was awarded a million-dollar grant in 2022. The organization is now recognized nationally as a leader in farmers market manager training and supports over 250 farmers markets across Virginia.

In addition, Dearden led an initiative to bring the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Department of Agriculture (VDACS) together with market managers from across the state for quarterly meetings over two years. Working with a lobbyist from Farm Bureau, she advocated for changes in policy that reduced regulatory overlap between VDH and VDACS. This collaboration resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding that improved food safety processes and reduced the regulatory burden on farmers markets, positioning her as a statewide expert on food safety at farmers markets.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched an online market with delivery services and opened two new markets, ensuring farmers and producers could weather the storm.

Upon her retirement, two localities served by Dearden, Goochland and Powhatan counties, will absorb their markets into their respective Parks and Recreation departments. She will continue as an advisor during the transition, ensuring a smooth handoff to Sarah Soldat, the newly hired Market Manager.

“I’m just so excited about this transition for the farmers markets that are so loved by our communities.”, said Dearden. “The new market manager is a perfect fit and I’m sure she will do a fantastic job taking these markets to the next level.  I’m really happy that my exit from the day-to-day operation of farmers market management isn’t going to leave a gaping hole in our food system, and that a sustainable path forward has been forged.  It’s time for me to focus on myself and my family and to sit back a little bit and enjoy the life I have created!”

“On behalf of Goochland County, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Lisa Dearden for her incredible dedication over the past two decades.”, said Vic Carpenter, Goochland County Administrator. “Lisa's passion and tireless efforts have provided invaluable opportunities for local farmers, producers, and artisans within our region. We wish her all the best in her retirement and thank her for leaving behind a thriving foundation upon which our community will continue to grow.”

"Lisa has been integral to the success of Powhatan’s market, which has become a cherished community hub.”, said Bret Schardein, Powhatan County Administrator. “We are grateful for her dedication and wish her all the best in this next chapter. As we move forward with our partnership with Goochland County, we look forward to the 2025 season with our new Farmers' Market Manager, Sarah Soldat."

In addition to her contributions to the local food system, Dearden remains active as a caregiver for her mother and granddaughter and continues serving her community by serving on the Goochland County Economic Development Authority.