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. |
When: September 14th, 5:30-7:30pm
Where: 841 Sand Ridge Rd., Millers Creek NC Looking for advice on streamlining your current production planning process, or planning for a variety of market channels? Join BRWIA and Tumbling Shoals Farm to learn about production planning best practices for diversified vegetable farms! Participants will get to tour the farm and learn from Shiloh and Jason's experience developing production plans, and will leave the workshop with a better understanding of how to develop their own plan for the following season. Space is limited, so don't forget to register! |
When: October 26th, 5-6:30pm
Where: zoom Join BRWIA for a focus group with 2023 High Country Farm Tour farm participants, and help plan the 2024 Farm Tour! This is an important opportunity to give your input on an event that connects our community with local farmers. |
2023 Workshops:
2021 Workshops:
CRAFT events postponed due to COVID-19 Pandemic
|
2022 Workshops:
2020 Workshops: CRAFT events postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. 2019 Workshops:
|
2016 Workshops:
2015 Workshops
2018 Workshops
|
2017 Workshops:
|
|
P.O. Box 67 | 969 W King Street
Boone, NC 28607 | 828.386.1537 Email: info@brwia.org |