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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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Workshops and Events
Scroll down to view upcoming workshops and events, or
click here to view past workshops, recordings, and notes
Interested in hosting a workshop or skill sharing event? Send us a pitch here!
click here to view past workshops, recordings, and notes
Interested in hosting a workshop or skill sharing event? Send us a pitch here!
09/12: High Country Farm Worker Focus Group
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Help us learn more about how we can support farm workers, interns, apprentices, and the folks who make local food possible.
The purpose of this focus group is to gather data to help Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture's CRAFT Program develop programming, resources, and support networks that better meet the needs of farm workers and aspiring farmers. Participants will be paid $50 for their time, and dinner will be provided. Learn more and register here. |
10/06: High Country Agritourism Roundtable
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As tourism becomes an increasingly large part of the High Country economy, we believe that farmers should be able to take advantage of the tourism dollars flowing into our community. Join us for a roundtable discussion on agritourism for High Country producers who would like to add or further develop agritourism as a part of their business model, and continue to develop the HC as an agritourism destination. This will be an informal guided discussion for farmers to share experiences, ideas, and strategies.
Dinner will be provided. A $10 donation is recommended, but NOT required! Pay what you can, all are welcome and encouraged to attend. Donations are nonrefundable. Learn more and sign up here. |
IMPACT
In 2022, Blue Ridge CRAFT hosted 17 peer to peer workshops
that engaged 100+ aspiring, beginning, and established farmers.
that engaged 100+ aspiring, beginning, and established farmers.
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2022 Workshops:
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2021 Workshops:
2020 Workshops:
CRAFT events postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. |
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2019 Workshops:
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2018 Workshops
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2016 Workshops:
2015 Workshops
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2017 Workshops:
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