Project Description

Heather Coiner runs Little Hat Creek Farm in Nelson County with her husband Ben Stowe. They grow dozens of varieties of seasonal vegetables and berries using ecological practices. They also have an on-farm wood-fired bakery, overseen by Heather, used to produce sourdough breads – using mostly local and regional organic grains – and sumptuous pastries. They have been running Little Hat Creek Farm since 2013 and sell their products at Charlottesville’s City Market, the Nelson County Farmer’s Market, and the South of the James Market in Richmond, as well as the IX Winter Market in Charlottesville. Heather, who has a Ph.D. in plant ecology, is the founding chairperson of the Common Grain Alliance (CGA), a non-profit whose mission is to connect farmers, millers, bakers, and eaters in the Mid-Atlantic. Heather also completed a business planning class at Staunton Creative Community Fund. She and Ben are parents of two-year old twins, Samuel and Hazel.