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: Sunday, May 5th, 2024, 9:30am-12pm
Where: 619 Camp Joy Rd, Zionville, NC 28698 Cost: recommended donation Learn all the basics and how to begin your bee keeping journey at our Introduction to Beekeeping Workshop. Join us for a hands on experience where you'll learn all about beekeeping, from hive setup to honey extraction. Led by seasoned beekeeping expert and farm manager of Against The Grain, Anthea Van Geloven. This workshop offers a hands-on educational experience, allowing you to learn firsthand the intricate workings of a hive. Learn about the fascinating biology and behavior of these essential pollinators while gaining practical knowledge on equipment, hive management, and swarms. Perfect for beginners or those who are just entering the world of beekeeping, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and skills to get started with your own. This course will cover the following:
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When: Thursday, June 13th, 2024, 4pm-7pm
Where: Full Moon Farm Collective, Triplett NC, 28618 Cost: recommended donation Looking to scale up your farm or garden, but worried about the time and labor needed to do so? Learn all the basics of using a PaperPot Co Planter to streamline your operation. Kara Dodson will demonstrate how to use a drop-seeder to save time seeding trays, review tips for the best germination, and transplant green onion starts in to the field using this tool. She will also share plenty of useful knowledge gained from 8 years as a diversified vegetable farm owner. This workshop is perfect for both beginning and experienced farmers looking to increase their yields and decrease their labor! This course will cover:
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When: Saturday, June 22nd, 2024, 9am-3pm
Where: 8378 Sparta Rd, McGrady, NC 28649 Cost: $20 Dive into the fundamentals of grazing management, pasture design, and essential considerations for managing grazing animals effectively. Led by Kendra Phipps, Watauga County's Livestock Extension Agent, this workshop will blend informative classroom style sessions with on-farm practical demonstrations that will equip you to begin your grazing operation. Learn all about the systems of rotational grazing and gain insights into its application on your farm or homestead. You will also learn pasture design and strategies for optimizing grazing efficiency. Through interactive sessions and practical demonstrations, participants will learn the direct impact of grazing management on pasture health and animal welfare. This workshop will cover the following topics:
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When: Sunday, July 28th, 2024, 10am-12:30pm
Where: Daniel Boone Native Gardens, Boone NC Cost: recommended donation Join Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture and Brian Antczak, owner of Bug Lovers Native Plants to learn how to landscape with native plants at Daniel Boone Native Gardens. At this Workshop, participants can expect to learn about how to sustainably use and incorporate native plants that are crucial for providing food and habitat for wildlife for Appalachian and Piedmont gardens and landscapes to your home farm or garden. This course will cover the following:
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2024 Workshops:
In 2023, Blue Ridge CRAFT hosted 18 workshops
that engaged over 140 aspiring, beginning, and established farmers. 2023 Workshops:
2021 Workshops:
CRAFT events postponed due to COVID-19 Pandemic
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In 2022, Blue Ridge CRAFT hosted 17 workshops
that engaged 157 aspiring, beginning, and established farmers. 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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P.O. Box 67 | 969 W King Street
Boone, NC 28607 | 828.386.1537 Email: info@ah5z.net |