Verdant Acres is a 39-acre farm near Raphine, Virginia owned and operated by John and Mary Pedersen and their children. Verdant Acres has been in operation since 2019 but John and Mary have extensive backgrounds in farming, including stints with Polyface Farm in Virginia and White Oak Pastures in Georgia. Staunchly committed to organic feed and regenerative practices, the Pedersens grow vegetables for a CSA and raise pastured chicken, pigs, and sheep. Verdant Acres received a 0% loan in May 2020 that has a dual purpose: to help finance a new high tunnel, and to complete their poultry processing shed, which will allow them to greatly expand their pastured poultry business.