HomeGrown Directory

Blue Ridge Women In Agriculture are organizing the farm tour for Saturday August 8th and Sunday August 9th, 2009. This year's tour will include farms from Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Avery and Wilkes counties.

The map below is for reference only. Please use the specific directions given by the farmers in the brochure to travel to the farms.

Buttons for the farm tour can be purchased online and in advance at the following locations: Watuaga & Ashe farmers markets, Mast store-Boone, Original Mast Store-Boone, BareEssentials, and Spin A Yarn, Weave a Web in Jefferson.

February 13: Local Forest Products: New Enterprises and New Markets: Asheville

A workshop for forest land owners, farmers, forest professionals, and policy makers

9:00-3:00 on Friday, February 13, 2009

At Land-of-Sky Regional Council, 339 Leicester Highway, Asheville, North Carolina 28806

Directions at: landofsky.org/mainlinks/contact.html

(828) 251-6622

Economic uncertainty is nothing new to farm and forest operators. This workshop explores a range of emerging forest enterprises to help land owners improve revenues from their forest land. It also explores ways for producers to connect with local buyers to capture a larger share of value of their forest products.

Workshop Agenda

High Country Orders for Mushroom Spawn from NCA&T due by Sunday, February 15

Saturday, February 21, 2009: Watauga County Beekeepers Association 2009 Beginner Beekeeping Class

Interested in beekeeping? Want to learn more about the honeybee? This one day workshop is an introduction to the art and science of beekeeping. There will be beekeeping books and equipment for sale, speakers from all over NC, demonstrations and door prizes. Breakfast, lunch and a resource notebook will be provided.

When: Saturday, February 21, 2009*
8:30am (registration) - 4pm
Where: IG Greer Auditorium, ASU campus
(free parking located at Rivers Street Parking Deck)
Cost: $15/individual or $20/family of 2

Saturday, 2/28: ASAP Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Conference

Training and networking for farmers who want to grow their business by growing for local markets

Farmers who get to know the needs of local customers and buyers can thrive, given the right business and marketing skills. Join the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), local farmers, agriculture professionals, and marketing specialists for a day-long conference on marketing. For serious farmers, those seriously interested in farming, food buyers, and high school age FFA students .

Potential buyers of locally-grown goods can attend the full conference, or attend at no charge for networking only. (Call 828-236-1282 for information on attending at no charge.)

Offerings:

3/2 - 3/3: 2009 Farm to Fork SUMMIT - Raleigh

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems has been conducting a series of regional meetings on 'Building a Sustainable Local Food Economy' across the state during the past few months. These meetings have generated worthwhile discussions and highlighted trends in local food production: both the opportunities and the barriers. On March 2nd and 3rd, CEFS will bring forth all that it has learned from these regional sessions at the 2009 Farm to Fork SUMMIT.
You are invited to join in and be a game changer.

NC State University McKimmon Center,
Raleigh, NC
$35 registration fee, including
a local lunch and evening reception on Monday: see draft agenda
(limited scholarships available)

Participants in the day and a half summit will

Saturday, 3/7: High Country Growers School & Seed Swap, Jefferson

16th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference: March 21-22, 2009 at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, NC

Registration for the 16th Annual Organic Growers School Spring Conference is NOW OPEN! This will be the first time that the event is a two-day conference, scheduled for March 21-22, 2009 at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, NC. Enjoy a weekend of workshops for everyone, from beginning gardeners to advanced commercial growers. Topics cover all aspects of sustainable living, from gardening to alternative energy options; from cooking to food preservation.

Register online or download a printable registration form and mail it with a check by March 1st, 2009, and you can attend for only $40 per day!

NCA&T Small Farms Week 2009: March 24-25: Rides available from Boone & Scholarships for Small Farmers

Thursday, March 26, 2009: Valle Crucis

Building Diverse Community Networks to Grow the Local Food Economy

9 am to 5 pm

At the Apple Barn in Valle Crucis Please join us for a day of education, collaboration, and inspiration as we identify opportunities within the immediate community of the High Country to increase access to fresh, healthy food for all members of our community. The Summit will feature first-class presentations from Joel Salatin, Tim Will, and Tom Philpott and ample opportunity for networking and planning. And, of course, good food!

Whether you're a long-time local food advocate or simply interested in learning more, everyone with a vested interest in the High Country food system is invited to participate!