Big Ideas,
Real Impact.
We were incredibly honored to host a visit from Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, the Honorable Katie Frazier!
It was a privilege to give her an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of our operation and showcase how we are pioneering the future of local food. During her visit, we gave her a deep dive into our advanced facility tech and infrastructure, highlighting:
• Our Primary Growing Force: Our state-of-the-art vertical aeroponic technology, alongside our secondary Dutch bucket systems and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponics.
• Precision Automation: Our automated dosing system, commercial lighting, heating systems, and thermostats that perfectly optimize our crops' environment.
• Climate Control: The high-efficiency evaporative cooler that regulates our entire growing facility.
• Farm-to-Table Logistics: Our commercial kitchen, reefers, and refrigerated vehicles that guarantee our produce stays hyper-fresh on the move.
Beyond the technology and the infrastructure, this visit meant the world to us because it highlights something so easily forgotten: behind every small farm, there is a family.
It’s our family’s passion, late nights, and shared dedication that power this operation every single day, and having that recognized at the state level is incredibly meaningful.
We want to extend a massive thank you to Secretary Frazier. Her continued dedication and unwavering support for small farmers all across the Commonwealth makes a real, tangible difference in keeping Virginia’s family-owned agricultural economy thriving.
Thank you for championing local agriculture and stopping by our facility, Secretary Frazier—you and your team are welcome back anytime!
From Mission to Market: Rooted in Service and Innovation.
We are incredibly honored and humbled to share that Full Circle Bloom has been selected as one of the 250 farmer veterans across the country to be featured by America250!
Out of so many amazing nominees, we are proud to represent our state as one of just five selected farms.
A huge thank you to the Farmer Veteran Coalition and America250 for this incredible honor and for shining a light on the men and women protecting our nation's food security.
You can read our specific story and check out our Founder's feature, Ashley Richardson, in the official directory right here!
Read our story: https://farmvetco.org/my-profile/uid/784/
Innovating Together. Impacting Forever.
We are still feeling the momentum from our visit with Lunenburg County leadership and the directors of the Small Business Development Council!
It was a privilege to host this group for a deep dive into our farm’s infrastructure and vision. We enjoyed showcasing how we’re bridging the gap between traditional agriculture and modern technology to strengthen our local food system.
Our guests toured the full "Seed-to-Table" setup:
• The Tech: A look at our high-tech greenhouse production and the precision of our auto-dosing systems.
• The Kitchen: Our commercial kitchen facilities where we turn fresh harvests into value-added products.
• The Logistics: Our refrigeration units that ensure we maintain the highest standards of food safety and freshness.
A huge thank you to our County leaders and the SBDC for taking the time to see our operation in action. Their support for small business and agricultural innovation is what helps farms like ours continue to grow and serve the community.
We’re excited for what’s next!
Leading the Evolution of Ag Tech, Powered by Virginia.
We had the absolute pleasure of hosting Senator Tammy Mulchi at the Aerofarm!
It was a bit of a surreal, "full circle" moment for us. In our previous professional lives, we were the ones working directly for Senators in Washington, D.C.—navigating the fast-paced world of policy and legislation.
Today, the roles were reversed. Instead of briefcases and Capitol hallways, we were in boots and greenhouses, showing the Senator how we’re using aeroponic technology to grow sustainable, local food right here in our community.
It’s a unique and refreshing change of pace to welcome a leader onto our own turf to discuss the future of Virginia agriculture.
We love having the opportunity to bridge the gap between policy and practice, and we’re so grateful to Senator Mulchi for taking the time to see our work firsthand!
Farmers market aims to help local families in need this holiday season
VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital hosts second farmers market to address food insecurity in Southside Virginia.
December 19, 2025
When VCU Health’s Department of Community Health began planning the CMH community garden earlier this year, team members toured local farms in Southside Virginia to learn best practices.
That’s when they met Andrew and Ashley Richardson, who own Full Circle Bloom, and discovered their innovative approach to growing fresh produce. The 32-acre farm uses vertical aeroponics – a soilless method where roots hang in the air and are nourished by an enclosed ecosystem – to grow tomatoes, green peppers, broccoli, squash, greens and herbs.
“We toured local farmers in the area and realized Andrew and his wife had the same mission to help local families in the area get access to fresh produce,” said Ross Abrash, program manager with VCU Health’s Department of Community Health. “Knowing our raised beds would be limited in the amount of fresh produce we could supply, we joined our resources together to bring quality and quantity to families who need it most, and we are pleased this collaboration continues to bring out members of our community.”
After meeting with hospital leadership, Andrew Richardson joined as a volunteer gardener to support CMH’s efforts to address food insecurity. The Richardson’s, who are both Navy veterans, share a deep commitment to providing access to fresh food to families in Southside Virginia.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the impact of our partnership with CMH, from supporting the community garden to providing fresh, healthy options for hundreds of local families in these markets. We are committed to continuing this vital collaboration and growing our efforts with CMH in the future,” Richardson said.
See the full article here: Farmers market aims to help local families in need this holiday season | VCU Health
Aeroponic Farm Thriving in Southern Virginia
January 9, 2025
Kenbridge, VA — Full Circle Bloom, a pioneering aeroponic farm in Southern Virginia, is breaking barriers and transforming the agricultural landscape. Founded by military veteran Ashley Richardson, the innovative farm demonstrates the power of innovation, sustainability, and community engagement in modern farming.
In a sector where Black farmers have historically been underrepresented, Richardson stands out as a beacon of inspiration and success. Her journey from a Senior Project Manager and Consultant in Washington, D.C., to an innovative farmer in Southern Virginia is a testament to her dedication and vision.
Innovation in the Air: What is Aeroponics?
Full Circle Bloom specializes in growing a diverse range of high-quality, pesticide-free produce year-round using advanced aeroponic technology.
Unlike traditional farming, this cutting-edge method involves:
Suspended Roots: Plant roots hang in the air and are misted with a precise, nutrient-rich solution.
Faster Growth Cycles: Plants mature quicker and produce higher yields.
Eco-Friendly: The system uses significantly less water and land, resulting in a minimal environmental impact compared to traditional soil farming.
“At Full Circle Bloom, we are passionate about growing fresh, healthy food and making it accessible to everyone in the community,” says Ashley Richardson. “We believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious food, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
See Original Article Here:
