CRAFT Farmer Training Initiative
The Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a coordinated effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and students of agriculture together for a comprehensive training program in sustainable agriculture. The goal of this program is to give established, successful farmers a stake in the training of our next generation of growers, and to give farm apprentices a rich educational experience that truly encompasses the ins and outs of farm operation
For 2011, OGS has exciting expansions to announce regarding the CRAFT program. First, we have partnered with key organizations in the region to build the CRAFT program into a richer, more beneficial experience for both established and beginning farmers. Our work with the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project and Mountain BizWorks will make farmer-centered business planning training, marketing consulting, and access to capital available to the growers involved with CRAFT. In addition to more structured production training at CRAFT events, these financial literacy and business management components will allow members of CRAFT to more realistically anaylze their farm business ideas. From starting your farm from scratch to adding a new enterprise, CRAFT can serve farmers of any experience level.
In addition to these exciting partnerships, we have received funding to pay farmers to write down what they are learning as we develop farmer-orginated educational materials for web and print publication. Funding for these new initiatives has been provided by the Beattie Foundation, and by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2010-49400-21817.
Other benefits from CRAFT include:
- increased camaraderie between local farmers; a forum for "shop talk" and idea-exchange on everything from what kind of irrigation fittings are best to how to structure farm labor
- a social scene for farm interns. Getting off the farm once a month and networking with folks who are immersed in a similar experience is a breath of fresh air.
- CRAFT farmers attract serious aspiring farmers, because they are visibly committed to training. This influx of aspiring commercial growers results in dependable seasonal labor, and more promise for the future of WNC agriculture.
- CRAFT recruitment materials offer advertisement for member farms, from web listings to videos, CRAFT farms are visible to other interns as well as consumers.
- Intern Matching services are available through OGS, to assist farmers and interns in finding one another. Additionally, advice is available on how to structure your internship program, and how to become an effective farm mentor.
CRAFT is a membership program, and there is a place for everyone. You may join as a farm with your interns, a farm without interns, an aspiring farm or farm apprentice, or an interested friend or non-commercial grower. Join online today, or Download a membership form today and join this important regional effort to strengthen the future of farming in WNC. Membership is open year-round, so you may join anytime. If you have questions, contact Andrea at 828.338.9508 or via email at andrea@organicgrowersschool.org
Join NOW for the 2011 Season!
Farmers who join by Jan 31, 2011 will have the opportunity to plan curriculum and host tours!
2011 Member Benefits & Application
CRAFT is a grassroots program and the schedule is built by the most current member farms. BELOW you can view the schedule and member roster from CRAFT 2011.
2011 CRAFT Member Farms 2011 CRAFT Schedule
|
April 16th: Production Planning & Greenhouse Management at Full Sun Farm |
| May 14: Cut Flower Production & Management at Sweet Earth Flower Farm |
|
June 11: Cost-Effective Ways for Reducing your Farm's Carbon Footprint at Thatchmore Farms |
| July 16: Marketing Basics, Creating & Selling Value-Added Products at Imladris Farm |
| August 27: Managing Farm Diversity & Agritourism Snapshot at Green Toe Ground Farm |
| September 10: Commercial Permaculture at Useful Plants Nursery |
| October 15: Sustainable Timber Harvest at Mountain Harvest Organics |
| November 5: Year One- Lessons Learned + Season Extension Basics at The Patchwork Underground |
Green Toe Ground Farm
The Patchwork Underground
Would your farm be interested in hosting a fund-raiser workshop for the CRAFT program? Contact us to learn more. (Membership in CRAFT-WNC is not required.)