Eastern Shore Ag Conference honors farming, aquaculture, and community leaders

Pictured from left to right: Bruce Richardson, President of Association of Eastern Virginia Agricultural Producers, Erika Aran, co-owner of Aran Flower Farm and Pickets Harbor employee, WT Nottingham, owner of Picket’s Farm, Brandon Aran, co-owner of Aran Flower Farms and Pickets Harbor Employee, Kiernan Puyle, Pickets Harbor employee and Joe Guthrie, outgoing Commissioner of Agriculture for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Leaders from across Virginia’s agricultural and aquacultural communities gathered Wednesday and Thursday at the Exmore Moose Lodge for the 36th Annual Eastern Shore Ag Conference, where several individuals and organizations were honored for their lasting impact on the region.

During the conference, Blair Richardson, president and CEO of Potatoes USA, traveled from Denver to recognize the legacy of the late Phil Hickman of Dublin Farms in Horntown. Hickman was honored posthumously for his significant contributions to advancing the potato industry. Accepting the recognition on behalf of the family were Sandy Hickman, Phil’s widow, Phillip Hickman, son, and Logan Hickman, grandson.

The Association of Eastern Virginia Agricultural Producers, Inc. (EVAP) also presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Richard Snyder, director of the Wachapreague facility of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Snyder was recognized for decades of work supporting both agricultural and aquacultural industries on the Eastern Shore, helping bridge science, farming, and coastal resource management.

In another award presentation, EVAP honored Picketts Harbor Farms for Dedicated Service to the Eastern Shore Agricultural Community. Located in lower Northampton County, Picketts Harbor Farms was recognized for its role in mentoring young entrepreneurs, supporting 4-H and Cooperative Extension programs, and helping facilitate a successful rollout of the state’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program on the Eastern Shore in 2026.

Those present for the award included Bruce Richardson, president of EVAP; Erika Aran, co-owner of Aran Flower Farm and employee at Picketts Harbor Farms; WT, owner and founder of Picketts Harbor Farms; Brandon Aran, co-owner of Aran Farms and employee of Picketts Harbor Farms; and Joe Guthrie, outgoing commissioner of agriculture for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Ursula Deitch, one of the organizers, said the conference once again highlighted the strength and collaboration of the Eastern Shore’s agricultural community, recognizing both long-standing contributions and the next generation of farming and food system leadership.