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Blue Ridge Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) cultivates meaningful mentor relationships between aspiring and experienced farmers.
We believe that the educational and professional development of tomorrow’s growers and producers informs the health of our diverse local-food system and rural economy.
Based upon CRAFT models like Organic Growers School's WNC CRAFT and similar apprenticeship networks, Blue Ridge CRAFT connects aspiring farmers with experienced farmers and encourages innovative on-farm educational and professional experiences. Providing tools to established farmers that will enhance their mentorship abilities is central to Blue Ridge CRAFT's efforts. CRAFT first emerged in New York's Hudson Valley in 1994 as "a cooperative effort of local organic and biodynamic farms organized to enhance educational opportunities for farm apprentices." And, it has since spread to many other communities. Each organization is unique, but dedicated to the advancement of tomorrow's growers. To learn more about other CRAFT organizations, click here. In the fall of 2014, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture was approached by established farmers seeking a way to provide structured education and training to their on-farm apprentices. Through further input from the community, Blue Ridge CRAFT was formed with the goals of:
As we work together to form a more resilient and just food system and local economy, Blue Ridge CRAFT believes that is imperative that we encourage candid, meaningful conversations, form durable and inclusive partnerships, engage best practices, and excite innovation and creativity. |
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scaling_up_2023_info_packet.pdf
We are excited to announce our 2023 Scaling Up meeting & keynote, presented by Ambrook Financial! This event is mandatory for all High Country Food Hub producers. Scaling Up Producer Registration Community members and anyone interested in becoming a Food Hub producer can purchase tickets here for $25. View the full information packet here. Email jess@brwia.org with any questions. 
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When: February 13th, 10am-2pm
Where: Watauga Ag. Conference Center Register HERE Due to new requirements from our funders at CFSA and the USDA, farms who would like to sell produce to our LocalFAM program must submit a food safety plan to BRWIA in order for us to purchase from them (please see Jess's last LocalFAM email for more details if this applies to you). This workshop is an opportunity to develop this plan with the help of food safety professionals, and get your plan submitted quickly and easily! Farmers will leave this session with an outline of a custom food safety plan that can be used as a tool to protect their farm from liability, a checklist to streamline on-farm cleaning operations, and as an employee training tool. Lunch will be provided! |
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When: February 23rd, 5-7pm
Where: Watauga Ag. Conference Center Register HERE Finding your brand's voice and communicating your story to customers can be challenging! Speakers Karyn Owens, Marketing Consultant with Grapevine Local Food Marketing and NC farmer, and David Smiley, the Local Food Campaign Manager at the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project will help producers leave this session understanding how to define their target audience, tell their story, and take advantage of local and regional marketing outlets to retain customers and increase their reach. Light dinner will be provided. |
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When: March 2nd, 5-7pm
Where: Bald Guy Brew Register HERE Not sure why your pasture isn’t recovering between rotations, or why your crops are growing slower? You may need a better understanding of your soil. Participants will leave this session with a soil testing kit, and will understand how to sample soil, interpret the results, and utilize local resources to further their quests for stronger soil. Light dinner will be provided. |
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When: March 7th, 5-6:30pm
Where: virtual, zoom link provided after registration Register: HERE Farmers who raise or handle allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, wheat, and soy) need to be aware of the potential risks and how to minimize cross-contact contamination. This includes fruit and vegetable growers and livestock producers. An allergen control program is an excellent way for producers to ensure a safer product and help protect their businesses from liability. During this workshop, producers can develop custom allergy control programs for their businesses with the help of local food safety expert Sara Runkel of the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions to ensure that their plans fit the needs of their farm. This workshop will also discuss managing food safety risks and NC regulations for egg producers. |
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2023 Workshops:
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2022 Workshops:
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2021 Workshops:
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2020 Workshops: CRAFT events postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. 2019 Workshops:
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2016 Workshops:
2015 Workshops
2018 Workshops
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2017 Workshops:
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