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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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Hosted by Mountainwise Farm (5/25) and FIG Farm (6/6), these two workshops will cover washing, sanitizing, and post-harvest handling best practices, beginning in the field and ending in the distribution process. Both workshops will cover the same topics, and demonstrate two different wash/pack setups for small diversified vegetable farms or market gardens. NC Cooperative Extension Agents Elena Rogers and Richard Boylan will be in attendance to talk about safety and compliance with food safety laws, and how to protect yourself and your products by using good food safety practices.
These workshops are targeted towards producers who provide produce for BRWIA's LocalFAM program, but all others are welcome. To learn more and register for the workshop hosted at Mountainwise Farm, click here. To learn more and register for the workshop hosted at FIG Farm, click here. |
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Learn about and discuss on-farm composting with Against the Grain Farm! Against the Grain Farm is a certified Biodynamic and Organic farm located in Zionville, NC. With ten years of experience farming and developing their composting methods, Holly Whitesides and Andy Bryant will share the evolution of their compost recipe and their experience using different ingredient mixes. Participants will build a compost pile during the workshop, learn about taking and documenting compost temperature, and have the opportunity to ask questions throughout. This workshop will be held on Sunday June 5th, from 2-4pm. To learn more and register for the workshop click here. |
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Interested in keeping goats? Learn the basics of goat farming with Heritage Homestead Goat Dairy! Join us for an afternoon learning the ins and out of goat farming, including fencing, housing, feeding, breeding, milking and more. Bring your questions, and be ready to pet some goats! The workshop will be followed by a potluck, bring a dish to share. This workshop will be held Saturday June 25th 2-4pm. To learn more and register for this workshop click here. |
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2018 Workshops
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2017 Workshops
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2016 Workshops
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2015 Workshops
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