Growers Academy – Sustainable Farming Methods and Business Models

2014 Growers Academy  in Virginia

An 6-session learning/training series focused on sustainable farming methods and business models

September 23 – October 28, 2014 (Tuesdays, 6-9 pm • Wytheville, Virginia)

Pre-registration by Thursday, 9/18^th

FOR WHO? New, dreamed about, and growing or transitioning agricultural businesses.  The course is a tailored and comprehensive approach to farming as a small business, so you can leave with renewed confidence and practical information and actions to make your farming effort whatever size you want it to be.

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WHAT IS INCLUDED? Materials provided include a 3-ring binder to progressively build your own permanent resource book over the six-week, 18 hour course.  This includes the “Whole Farm Planning” curriculum, a CD with hundreds of resources, prepared materials from presenters, and your own notes.

WHAT OTHER BENEFITS? Of course not every growing/producing endeavor is the same, so resource professionals teach their subjects in-depth and then utilize participant discussions and farmer panels.  This allows participants to discuss their questions and ideas informally and practically, plus you can develop lasting relationships with other producers, mentors, and resource professionals for consultations in the years ahead.

As a past participant with an increasingly profitable business has said, “It gave us the confidence and direction we needed to start a successful market garden business.”  For just $12.50 per hour of instruction, extensive reference materials, and lasting connections with experienced people, this course is designed to do just that!

And Graduates of the Growers’ Academy are eligible to lease land at a discounted rate at the Catawba Sustainability Center in Catawba, Virginia.

ANYTHING MORE? Locally baked and prepared refreshments by Log Cabin Catering!  Thanks to Farm Credit in Wytheville for providing its classroom.

For more information and online registration, visit: https://www.cpe.vt.edu/grac/

 

Or contact:

Josh Nease

Virginia Tech Catawba Sustainability Manager

108 N. Jefferson Street, Suite 701, Roanoke, VA 24016

Phone: 540-553-2311 or jnease@vt.edu

 

See flyer for information and to register by Thursday, September 18^th.