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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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When: Tuesday, December 12th, 5:30 – 7:00pm
Where: zoom Facilitator: Lanae Hood, food system researcher and BRWIA board member During the COVID-19 pandemic, local meat sales increased dramatically. Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture is interested in how local meat sales have changed in the post-lockdown world, and wants to gather feedback about issues impacting local meat production and market channels. Information gathered at this focus group will be used to direct programming and grant seeking in 2024 and beyond. Participants will be compensated $25 for their time. We expect the conversation to take about an hour. |
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When: Thursday, January 18th, 6-8pm
Where: Watauga Agricultural Conference Center, 252 Poplar Grove Rd, Boone, NC 28607 Cost: $10 recommended donation During this workshop, Richard Boylan of Watauga County Agricultural Extension will cover the basics of soil fertility, testing, and soil addition options. Kevin Gamble, owner and operator of Wildcat Compost, will present on methods for improving soil through methods like composting and compost tea, and vermicomposting, and his own experiences as a compost researcher and maker. This workshop is suitable for growers interested in pursuing organic certification, incorporating organic methods, or for anyone with a general interest in improving their soil organically. |
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Where: Plemmons Student Union, Parkway Ballroom, room 420
263 Locust St, Boone, NC When: Sunday, January 28th, 5:30-8pm Scaling Up is the annual High Country Food Hub business meeting and keynote address. This event brings together the Food Hub's 100+ producers to share a delicious local meal, review Food Hub sales and data from the previous year, announce any policy changes, and hear from an inspiring keynote speaker in the local food industry. Parking information: Parking will be available at the Howards Street Parking Lot (644 Howards St, Boone, NC 28607) or at the College Street Parking Deck (162 College St, Boone, NC 28607). Follow event signage! |
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When: Saturday, Feb 3, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Where: Lively Up Farm, 951 Upper Crab Orchard Rd, Banner Elk, NC Cost: $10 recommended donation Growing mushrooms can be a low-input, high-revenue enterprise for farmers and homesteaders. This workshop will cover species of wood and mushrooms that are most compatible, when to cut trees, and how to inoculate and stack logs for maximum harvest over many years. Participants will also see and get to practice the whole process of drilling holes, plugging holes and waxing the logs. Feel free to ask questions throughout the process, and come prepared to get a little dirty! |
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When: Wednesday, February 7th, 6-8pm
Where: Watauga Agricultural Conference Center, 252 Poplar Grove Rd., Boone NC 28607 Cost: $10 recommended donation At this workshop, Richard Boylan of Watauga County Agricultural Extension will cover common crop diseases, organic treatments, and best practices for disease prevention. Chris Thies, owner and operator of Opossum Bottom Farm, will present on his methods for preventing and treating disease. As a farmer who grows more than 100 varieties of tomatoes each summer and dozens of other crops throughout the year, disease prevention is on the forefront of his mind! |
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When: Wednesday, February 21st, 6-8pm
Where: Watauga Agricultural Conference Center, 252 Poplar Grove Rd., Boone NC 28607 Cost: $10 recommended donation At this workshop, Richard Boylan of Watauga County Agricultural Extension will cover common pests, organic treatments, and best practices for holistic pest prevention. Anthea van Geloven, manager of Against the Grain Farm (ATG), will present on their methods for preventing and eliminating pest pressure. ATG is a certified organic and biodynamic farm located in Zionville, NC. This workshop is suitable for growers pursuing organic certification, growers who are interested in incorporating organic practices, or anyone looking to learn more about pest control methods in general. |
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Save the date: Saturday, March 16th, 2024
More details coming soon! Want to learn chainsaw skills, but not sure where to start? Come learn in a safe, welcoming, women-only environment! This course will cover the following:
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2023 Workshops:
2021 Workshops:
CRAFT events postponed due to COVID-19 Pandemic
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2022 Workshops:
2020 Workshops: CRAFT events postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. 2019 Workshops:
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2018 Workshops
2016 Workshops:
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2017 Workshops:
2015 Workshops
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