"Safe, Local, Organic: Building a Healthy Food Economy"
December 4-6, 2009 at the Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, NC

farm tours descriptions

All Day Tours, 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Sustainable Fruit and Vegetable Production
We will start the day with a visit to the Warren Wilson College Organic Garden. Warren Wilson is nationally-recognized for its outstanding efforts at sustainability and growing food is part of that mission. The Garden, managed by Karen Joslin, consists of five acres of vegetables, fruits, cut flowers and herbs, and is maintained by a crew of twenty-five students. We will see the greenhouse and two unheated hoophouses. Our next stop will be Full Sun Farm, run by Alex Brown and Vanessa Campbell, northwest of Asheville. Started in 1997, the farm grows vegetables, cut flowers and berries, and markets through a CSA and tailgate markets. Featured on the tour will be scale-appropriate farm equipment for cultivating, transplanting and washing. The tour concludes with a visit to nearby Thatchmore Farm. Tom Elmore and Karen Thatcher grow hollies and certified organic fruits and vegetables on ten acres in Leicester NC. They are known for early season tomatoes, lettuce, greens, blueberries, and a variety of other crops. Their newest enterprise is organic Christmas trees. Lunch is included on the tour.

Sustainable Livestock and Farm Animals
The tour will start with a visit to East Fork Farm where Steve and Dawn Robertson raise sheep, chickens and rabbits. Twenty-five miles north of Asheville, East Fork prides itself on its sustainable and humane practices. The farm is Animal Welfare Approved and a River Friendly Farmer. The tour will then head to Hickory Nut Gap Farm. This is a multi-generational family farm marketing grass-fed beef, lamb, pastured pork, chicken, turkey, and eggs to twenty different Asheville restaurants and health food stores. Hickory Nut Gap Meats is the brand created to market grass-fed beef and pork mostly through health food stores. The farm is run by the Ager family. The tour will finish up with a visit to the Warren Wilson College Farm. Managed by Chase Hubbard, this 275-acre farm produces grassfed beef, pasture raised pork and poultry, eggs and grains. From its beginnings as the Asheville Farm School in 1894, Warren Wilson College has been farming in the Swannanoa Valley.

Half Day Tours 1 PM to 4:30 PM

Sustainable Livestock and Produce
This tour includes visits to two nearby sustainable farms. Flying Cloud Farm, run by Annie Louise and Isaiah Perkinson, produces vegetables, fruits, and flowers for local markets, as well as a limited amount of beef and pork. All produce grown on the farm is sold directly to people at local farmers markets, through a 100 member CSA, at a self-service roadside stand, and through ‘you-pick’. Isaiah and Annie have been farming the rich bottom land for nine years, with an active CSA for six. The tour will then head over to Hickory Nut Gap Farm to focus on the organic apple orchard. After a tour of the orchard, as time allows, you will see aspects of the farm’s livestock operation (beef, lamb, pork and poultry.)

Sustainable Urban Farms and Gardens
First we will visit the Pearson Drive Garden run by the Bountiful Cities Project in Asheville. This one acre garden grows a variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs for the community and uses some season extension for winter growing. The Garden also features cob structures, composting, bee hives, a composting toilet and a bread oven. Next we will travel to Gladheart Farms located within the city limits of Asheville and only five minutes from downtown. You will learn how this certified organic farm was founded and set up to operate in an urban setting. The farm uses many types of sustainable practices, sells as a CSA and at markets, and aims to create a model to preserve farmland in communities with expensive real estate.

Earthaven EcoVillage
This special tour will feature the farms at Earthaven as well as a brief introduction to the ecovillage as a whole. Earthaven was established in 1994 on 320 acres of beautiful forestland and is just minutes from the conference site. The ecovillage is run as a cooperative community of 60 people and is a model of sustainable living, permaculture and green building/off-grid energy systems. The farms at Earthaven incorporate biodynamic and permaculture principles, and include livestock, food crops, medicinal herbs and nursery plants. As time allows, we will see greenhouses, terraced fields, forestry and biofuel projects.

extension agent information

Ex tension Agent Workshop, “ The New Agriculture: Local Markets, Sustainable Business Principles, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)”, Friday, December 4, 2009, 9am- 12pm

Extension Agent “Value-Added” Tour, Friday, December 4, 200, 1-4:30 pm
Smithson Mills will be our tour guide. He is a noted advocate and researcher for agricultural and rural
economic development projects and former director of the Center for Assessment and Research Alliances (CARA) of Mars Hill College. Blue Ridge Food Ventures, our fi rst stop, is a shared-use, value-added food processing center. Blue Ridge Ventures provides services to those wishing to start or grow small businesses in the food industry and to local farmers who wish to add value to their products through processing. Madison Family Farms will be our last stop. Local farmers will share their stories of production and marketing, incorporating value-added products and the use of the farm services facility in Madison County.

Scholarships for North and South Carolina Extension Agents
There are a limited number of scholarships available for N.C. Cooperative Extension Agents interested in attending the conference. In North Carolina, this is an in-service training opportunity. For more information, N.C. Extension Agents may contact Carol Moore, SARE Model State Program Assistant at (919) 273-6322 or moore6827@bellsouth.net.

S.C. Extension Agents are eligible to receive a state SARE travel scholarship to attend the conference. For more information, contact Geoff Zehnder at (864) 656-6644 or zehnder@clemson.edu.

in depth workshop descriptions

Organic Certification Workshop
Presenters: Jim Riddle and Marty Mesh
Thinking about getting certified, but haven’t taken the next step? Ready to take advantage of the price and market opportunities of organic certification? This very popular six hour hands-on workshop will get you to the next level by walking you through the entire certification process. Items covered include an overview of the National Organic Program standards, the certification process, the organic farm plan, how to pick a certifier, record-keeping templates, approved materials and cost-share opportunities.

Participants are encouraged to bring their field histories, farm maps, input labels and specific questions about the program, organic standards and approved materials. We want you to leave the workshop confident and able to complete an organic farm plan and apply for certification. Nationally-known and outstanding presenter Jim Riddle will lead the course. Jim helped write the standard so he knows it. He will be assisted by Marty Mesh, Executive Director of Florida Organic Growers and a very knowledgeable organic expert. There is a materials charge for the notebook. Space is limited, so sign up early. The registration deadline is November 15.

“Season Extension and Cool Season Crops”
Presenters: Dr. John Wilson and Diana McCall, Black Mountain Community Garden
This three hour intensive class will be taught at the Black Mountain Community Garden. The class will be led by Dr. John Wilson, the director and guiding light of the community garden, and Diana McCall, the garden manager. Participants will learn hands-on about cool season crop growing techniques such as variety selection, and the use of unheated greenhouses and hoop tunnels. Dr. Wilson, a former pediatrician, has encyclopedic knowledge of gardening and is passionate about season extension. Participants will also learn about the operation of the community garden and other aspects of produce growing. To attend the class, you must register in advance. Friday morning you may check in at the Blue Ridge Assembly or go directly to the Garden which is located off of Blue Ridge Road, opposite the entrance road to the Blue Ridge Assembly. Look for signs. Allow enough time to be at the Garden by 9 AM. It is a five minute drive from the Blue Ridge Assembly to the Garden.

“Holistic Animal Health”
Presenters: Dr. Ann Wells, DVM, Springpond Holistic Animal Health
This three hour advanced class will explore the ways that livestock can be raised in the most holistic and natural ways possible. Dr. Wells is known nationally as an expert on how to raise animals holistically and organically and travels the country doing trainings. She will discuss the strategy necessary to create a holistic animal health plan and its basis in soil health and pasture management. Dr. Wells will instruct on effective prevention strategies to maintain healthy animals. She will draw from her many years of active work as a holistic large animal veterinarian and a farmer who raises beef cattle. Participants are encouraged to bring their questions and problems to the session. To attend the class, you must register in advance.


“Community Food Security”
Presenter: Mark Winne
Mark Winne will lead a three hour interactive session on community food security. Mr. Winne is known as one of the nation’s premier experts on community food security and policy. He has experience with many different types of community food projects, covering the range of options for a community and addressing the needs of low-income and minority communities. He is also a leader in the national movement to establish and guide local and state food policy councils. The session will encourage participants to examine the situation in their own communities and to move strategically toward better food security through action. Examples from across the country will be offered to inspire and inform. To attend the class, you must register in advance.

workshop descriptions

12/5/2009 10:15 AM  

The Dirt on Dirt: Introduction to Basic Soil Science Julie Grossman, NCSU
Have you heard that you should manage your soils for optimal quality and fertility, but are not sure how to achieve these goals?  Then this workshop is for you!  We will cover basic soil science principles and tools, and provide information on how to build on them to achieve healthy soils. Topics will include soil texture, nutrient cycles, and organic matter, as well as fertility sources such as compost, manure and legumes.

Managing Veggie Diseases     Frank Louws, NCSU
2009 was a tough year. Organic growers encountered serious foliar and soil-borne disease problems including downy mildew of cucurbits, late blight of tomato, nematode problems, southern blight, bacterial wilt and many others. This session will focus on some of the main veggie diseases and discuss management recommendations. A portion of the session will emphasize the use of grafted plants to manage soil-borne diseases of tomatoes.      

Agro-Forestry Ben Bergmann and Noah Ranells, Fickle Creek Farm
Noah and Ben will talk about the creation of their farming project, Fickle Creek Farm in Orange County, NC.  Fickle Creek Farm combines horticulture and livestock production in an agro-forestry model.  The heavily wooded farm works with nature to create an environment for maximum fertility and ecological balance. 

Draft horses  Lynn Miller, Small Farmer's Journal
Draft horses are an exciting way to integrate sustainability into your small farm.  Lynn Miller will talk about all aspects of draft horses.  Come with your questions and challenges.      

Holistic Animal Health - Beginner Ann Wells, Springpond Holistic Animal Health, Arkansas
This is a shorter version of Dr. Well's three hour intensive from Friday.  Dr. Wells will talk about preventative strategies to enhance animal health, drawing from her years of experience as a holistic veterinarian.  Come learn from this national expert on the organic raising of animals.  Bring your questions and challenges to discuss.

Non-Timber Forest Products   Jeanine Davis, NCSU and Alyx Perry, Southern Forests Network
You can grow so much more in your forest besides trees!  Learn about the wide diversity of products that you can cultivate and wild harvest, including medicinal herbs, mushrooms, vegetables, floral decoratives, nuts, and berries, to name just a few.  How to find buyers for your products and creative marketing strategies will be covered.  See lots of great pictures and get a list of where to find more info.     

Season Extension:  High Tunnels for All Year Profit  Steve Moore, NCSU
Come learn practical skills to extend your season.  Make your high tunnel work for you all year! Explore with Steve many simple, economic techniques to extend the season and get the most out of your investment. 

The Liberated Gardener Frank Hyman, Cottage Garden Landscaping
Would you like to spend less time weeding? Less time bagging leaves? Want to spend less money mulching, mowing and watering the garden? Would you rather spend more time enjoying your garden than feeling enslaved by it? In this class you’ll learn about getting rid of leaves without bagging, making great compost without turning and smart ways to hook up rain barrels so they really work (and also function as water gardens—no kidding).  And just for fun, you’ll learn how to minimize weeds and maximize flowers. Slideshow and Q & A.   

Cooking with Local Food Mary Lane, Divine Nourishment
Whether you are interested in practical tips in cooking locally, seasonally, wild, or how our food choices impact our Earth and collective healing, Mary will inspire you.  Come learn from her skill and knowledge as she connects the dots for a deeper understanding of living in sync with the Earth's wisdom through seasonal nourishment.


Backyard Economics:  Unleashing Your Small Property’s Productive Potential
Chuck Marsh, Useful Plants Nursery
Cultivating biological abundance on your land for food, medicine and trade has far-reaching ecological and economic benefits for you, your family, your community, and the world.  Have you tapped the productive potential of your home landscape?  Are you growing as many of your own medicines, fruits and vegetables as you want to?  This workshop will explore some really practical schemes, strategies and design approaches to boosting your land’s productive potential and economic yields. 


People Power and Public Policy: Forging the Way to a Just and Sustainable Food System   
Mark Winne, Community Food Security Coalition
This workshop is a shorter version of Mark's three hour intensive from Friday.  From town hall to the state capital, food activists are discovering that they can use public policy -- and the people who make our policy -- to build local and state food systems that serve the cause of food justice and promote healthy and sustainable food systems. Through presentations and interactive methods, this workshop will explore some of the history, practices, opportunities, and challenges of local and state policy networks, organizations, and councils.

Mountain Gardens:  A “Paradise Garden” in Western NC Joe Hollis, Mountain Gardens      
Mountain Gardens is a single project with many aspects: a botanical garden of useful plants(including the largest collection of medicinal plants in E. US); a demonstration of simple living; an herb shop including a complete Chinese herb pharmacy and 100+ herb tinctures; a library and research center; a seed business and small nursery; and more.  Come learn all about this project and its future plans.  Slides will illustrate the 35 year development of the property.


12/5/2009 2:15 PM  

The Exciting World of Biochar     Christopher Hopkins, NCSU
This session will offer an introduction to biochar (or Terra Preta) as a method to increase soil fertility and capture carbon.  The workshop will review the remarkable history and uses of biochar through the ages.  It will describe a NC demonstration project growing corn with biochar as an amendment.  It will also discuss ways to produce biochar on different scales.  Come learn about the exciting world of biochar!

Equipment for Production of Grains on Small Acreages Chris Reberg-Horton, NCSU
Grain production is generally confined to large farms. However, small equipment does exist, possibly in your grandparents' barn. Come and learn about equipment for the production of grains on small acreage. 


Fundamentals of Niche Swine Production, Part One     David Stender, Iowa State University
This is an advanced level swine production workshop.  The first hour will cover the management of cost relative to productivity, nutrition, feeding cost management, and variable/fixed cost management with reproduction, production scheduling and flow issues, as time allows.  Don't miss the opportunity to learn from one of the nation's top niche hog experts.      


Top Ways to Fail on the Farm Scott Marlow, RAFI-USA
Beginning farmers are often focused on access to land, farm production and marketing.  But these aspects are only a part of what makes farms succeed or fail.    This workshop will focus on some of the major causes of farm loss based on direct consulting with over 100 farms per year and what beginning farmers can do to avoid a similar fate.

Taming the Weeds in Organic Vegetables: 12 Tricks of the Trade Mark Schonbeck, Virginia Association for Biological Farming
Controlling weeds without herbicides in vegetable production can be hard on backs, soils and profit margins.  This session takes an integrated, ecological approach to understanding, outwitting and managing weeds at the market garden and farm scales.  Learn how strategies like correct weed identification, optimizing cash crop vigor, crop rotation, cover crops, and reduced tillage can yield better weed control with less tillage, cultivation and labor. 

Crop Mobs: A Model of Agrarian Community Building    Trace Ramsey & Rob Jones
At their most basic level, crop mobs are about free labor for small sustainable farms.  Small farms don't operate in isolation; their need for community involvement is great.  This matches a strong desire among young people to learn about farming and connect urban and rural worlds. The crop mob was conceived as a way to build the community necessary to make these connections.  Crop mobbers provide free labor as a group to do farm tasks, anything from harvesting to building greenhouses.  Come learn how to use this new agrarian model to make good things happen in your region.       

Small Scale Processing Options for Poultry Producers Casey McKissick, Crooked Creek Farms, and Smithson Mills, consultant
This session will cover options for poultry processing for small to mid size growers including the Foothills Family Farms Mobile Processing Unit (MPU) and the (under construction) state-inspected Foothills Processing Plant in Marion. The MPU will be on-site for viewing as will construction plans and details of the new processing plant. Included will be time for discussion of processing best practices, rules and regulations. Production questions will be answered if time allows.

Creating a Pollinator Paradise on Your Farm Debbie Roos, NCSU
Learn how to provide forage and nesting habitat to attract native and managed pollinators to your farm and garden. We will discuss which plants provide the best resources for pollinators and how you can maximize their effectiveness. The emphasis will be on bees but with benefits to other beneficial insects as well. 

Perennial Vegetables    Frank Hyman, Cottage Garden Landscaping
Fruit trees and brambles aren’t the only perennials among edibles. Many plants in the vegetable kingdom come back each year. Frank will discuss some of the more familiar ones—that could stand wider use—such as asparagus, rhubarb and artichoke, as well as those which are less familiar: ostrich fern, lovage, Solomon’s Seal, Jerusalem artichoke and ramps. Any home gardener or market gardener could start growing these now. Slideshow and Q & A.    

Farm to School / Institution Emily Jackson, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project
Farm to School? Farm to Institution? Find out what these programs are all about. This workshop will help participants understand the opportunities and barriers presented by institutional markets (K-12 schools,  hospitals, colleges, etc.). Workshop participants will also learn about the four components of farm to school – school gardens, farm field trips, local food nutrition education – and how they can be applied across institutions. 

Community Farmland Trusts: Securing Land for Food    David Harper, Land in Common
Meeting demand for local foods in urban food markets requires local farms. Meeting demand for development in urban real estate markets requires the liquidation of local farms. As many long-time farmers seek to sell land at higher values to fund their retirement, many new farmers hope to buy land at lower values to start their businesses. In this session we will explore examples of community farmland trusts that help to balance the interests of communities and farm families.

Networking on Organic Action Plans (State and Federal)    Tony Kleese and Sally Lee    
This session is designed as an opportunity for open dialogue and strategizing about the ongoing development of the National Organic Action Plan, as well as state-level plans for the Carolinas.  Come with your ideas and suggestions.  This will be a working session.

12/5/2009 3:30 PM  

Compost Tea   Patryk Battle, Sparkling Earth Farm
Come learn how tea brewed from small quantities of great composts and/or worm castings can enhance fertility and plant vigor.   The session will start with a brief look at the history, evolution and mechanisms of compost tea.  The class will focus on the methods, equipment and  dynamic applications of aerobically-brewed compost  tea.  Come tap into the magic!

Regionally-Grown Organic Bread Wheat:  Past & Future Jennifer Lapidus, CFSA Organic Bread Flour Project
Not long ago, grist mills dotted the landscape of this country and regional grain growing was the norm. That vanished with our industrial food system.  Luckily today, regional grain initiatives are sprouting up (pun intended.)  Come hear about what is happening in the Carolinas -- an uplifting story of renewed connections among wheat breeders, farmers, millers and bakers.

Pastured Hogs Part 2    David Stender, Iowa State
This is part two of an advanced level workshop for experienced hog farmers.  The second hour will continue the discussion of the reproduction/production flow topic and then discuss environment health interaction, stockmanship, and meat quality.  It will conclude  with a question and answer session.  Come hear from this noted national expert and expand your knowledge of swine production.

Sustainable Strawberry Production Michelle Schroeder-Moreno, NCSU and guests
This workshop is an overview of challenges for organic and sustainable strawberry production and a discussion of emerging techniques including summer cover crops and mycorrhizal fungi.  We will encourage participants to share their questions and techniques.  Come learn how you can grow this in-demand fruit.

Marketing Mix:  CSAs, Restaurants, Tailgate Markets Bill Dow, Ayrshire Farm
Bill will discuss how over the years he has developed a diversified marketing strategy for his farm in Chatham County, NC.  He will talk about the crucial elements to successful sales to restaurants.  He will offer his insights into higher profits at tailgate markets.  He will also discuss the multi-farm CSA to which he contributes.  Come tap into Bill’s knowledge!

Taming the Weeds in Organic Vegetables - Advanced Clinic  Mark Schonbeck, Virginia Association for Biological Farming
A continuation of Mark's previous workshop.  Attendees are encouraged to bring their toughest organic weed control questions and problems for discussion.  This will be an advanced level workshop.

Long Term Food Storage and Preserving the Harvest    Kathleen Lamont, Back to Basics
If you relate to creating stores of wholesome nutritious foods for yourself and your family, attend Kathleen’s talk and learn how to pack and store grains, beans, and rice for the long term.  If you are growing a garden and/or buying fresh local produce in quantities, Kathleen will lead you through canning, dehydrating, and freezing foods explaining which lend themselves to which process. It’s a matter of gaining the confidence to reclaim power over your food supply.

Grower-Based Distribution Models  Bu Nygrens, Veritable Vegetable and Sandi Kronick, ECO
Come hear from two leaders in the distribution of organic produce.  Bu will tell the amazing story of Veritable Vegetable, the San Francisco-based wholesaler.  Sandi will explain how, closer to home, ECO has grown to be a major organic distributor.  We will discuss the lessons we can learn so far and what lies in the future for organic distribution systems.

Food and Faith:  Gardens and More Claire Hermann, Come to the Table and guests
Around the Carolinas, faith communities are planting gardens, serving local food at church suppers, helping food pantries, buying CSA shares and more. Hear about successful ministries, find tools to help plan and launch a project, and learn how faith communities can strengthen local food systems.

Children’s Role in Sustainable Agriculture Spence Dickinson, Spence's Educational Farm
Even today in our wired world, children are naturally inclined to be caretakers of the vulnerable and harvesters of food. By connecting kids early with the cycle of seasons and encouraging an elemental connection with one another, living creatures, and the land, we can cultivate a new generation of stewards.  Spence will talk about how educational farms can flourish and share from his many years of experience. 

Nutrition: Networking Key Issues  Freda Butner, NC Dept. Ag & Consumer Services
A  networking time for those concerned about the nutritional issues of our current food system and to strategize about future actions. Discussion areas can include updates on obesity, diabetes and other diseases linked to our current animal and plant-based food production models.  Also labeling, confusing health claims made about foods and how to implement community-based solutions are areas for deliberation.  Come with your ideas to improve the outlook for the Carolinas.

Animal Welfare in the Carolinas   Networking Session
Concerned about the humane treatment of farm animals in the Carolinas?  Wanting to connect with others who are opposed to CAFOs and in favor of pasture-based systems, labeling systems and humane slaughter?  This networking session is a chance for peer to peer learning about developments on the animal welfare front both locally and around the nation.

12/6/2009 8:30 AM  

Commercial Veggie Production Stefan Hartmann, Black River Organic Farm
Using extensive photos, Stefan will talk about all aspects of organic production for a small to medium scale commercial producer.  Stefan will cover fundamentals and have a Q&A session.  He will talk about vegetables, herbs and strawberries, and discuss season extension through greenhouses (tomatoes).  Come learn from this experienced grower.

Marketing:  How to Win Friends and Influence People  Jason Roehrig and Shiloh Avery, Tumbling Shoals Farm
A comprehensive look at one small farm’s strategies for attracting and retaining customers.  Everything counts when trying to make a living on small-acreage.  The workshop will discuss market outlets and analysis, and offer tools for reaching customers.  There will be time for Q&A and idea sharing.

Raising Animals with Natural Behaviors (Pastured Poultry) Andrew Gunther, Animal Welfare Approved
Pastured poultry can be a great introduction into sustainable livestock production or a way to diversify an existing farming operation. Come learn about alternative production systems for laying hens, broilers, and breeder birds. Andrew Gunther has a wealth of practical poultry experience, having managed production for the largest independent organic chicken producer in the United Kingdom. He will talk about innovative production methods which are not only good for the birds, but can also improve farm profitability.  Come meet this international poultry expert.

Growing Raspberries Walter Harrill, Imladris Farm
Walter, the berry guy, will lead an in-depth discussion on fall-bearing raspberry production.  He will offer ways to grow raspberries with a minimum of chemical spraying.  As time allows, he will also answer questions about sustainable production of other bramble fruits such as blueberries and blackberries.

Securing Land Andrew Branan, NC Farm Transition Network
The search for farmland is a major focus of the beginning and expanding farmer.  Finding secure tenure on land, depends on many development issues to which farmers must give equal consideration:  risk management, finance and credit, business development and good stewardship.  This session will provide an overview and discussion of land access issues, including land searches, leases and agreements, ownership issues, and how to approach intra- and inter-family land and business transfers.

Conserving and Managing Small Forests Alyx Perry, Southern Forests Network and Rob Lamb, Forest Stewards
If you own forestland but haven’t thought much about its management, this session’s for you. This session covers opportunities for farmers to proactively manage forestland for a variety of benefits such as wildlife habitat, recreation, and the harvest of forest products. We’ll discuss forest management plans, important management considerations, resources available to assist farmers, and financial incentive programs that every forestland owner should be aware of. In addition, we’ll talk about new ways to connect producers with growing markets for local and sustainable forest products.

Mushrooms Beginner Class     Tradd Cotter, Mushroom Mountain
This very popular class was filled to capacity last year.  Come learn about mushrooms from A to Z.  Tradd will cover production techniques for a variety of popular mushrooms and show samples.  The first class will be a Mushrooms 101 and will cover the biology and ecology of edible fungi, gardening with mushrooms, small scale cultivation, plus recycling and composting using mushrooms.  A second more advanced class follows.

21st Century Farmers Markets Robert Andrew Smith, Leaflight Foundation
Get the latest on how to get your farmers market ready to accept food stamps, the nation's largest food and nutrition program.  Learn how to increase sales, plus receive an application to participate in the state program.  Leaflight's Program provides education, enrollment assistance, equipment and supplies and the ability to process EBT/SNAP, debit and credit transactions.

Biofuels Part 1 Staff of Piedmont Biofuels
Today more than ever, local biofuel production is a path to a more sustainable community. Piedmont Biofuels is a recognized leader in small scale biofuel research and production.   Biofuels Part I will cover the basics of on-farm biodiesel production, including different types of feedstocks, the basics of fuel production and basic fuel quality testing.  We will be using the mobile biofuels laboratory.

12/6/2009 10:15 AM 

Heirloom Tomatoes  Jeanine Davis, NCSU
Consumers want heirloom tomatoes, but they can be a real challenge to grow organically.  Last year was particularly bad because of the late blight epidemic.  Jeanine has been conducting research on organic production of heirloom tomatoes in cooperation with a tomato breeder for over six years.  She’ll discuss what’ve they’ve learned in that time, including the organic disease and insect control program, trellising versus staking, the new heirloom-type hybrids being developed, and consumer test results.

Planning Your Sustainable Farm Enterprise Tony Kleese, consultant
Feeling overwhelmed by all the information and decisions related to your new farm?  Do you already have land, but can't decide what is the best path to take?  Are you looking for land, but unsure about how to narrow down your choices?  This workshop will help you develop a structure for organizing your thoughts and creating a plan for success.  Take what you learned at the conference and start putting it all together!

Organic Dairy Gerry Cohn, Organic Valley and George Teague, organic dairy farmer
The struggles of dairy farms are in the news.  Come hear about Organic Valley’s way of providing superior milk and supporting small family farms.  Gerry Cohn will talk about the CROPP Cooperative which is farmer controlled and works together as a pool.  He will discuss organic certification requirements and the milk marketplace now and in the future.  Farmer George Teague will relate his experience going organic, his biggest challenges and what he sees for future.  Join us for this timely discussion.

Internet and Social Networking Opps for Farmers Kari Brayman, CFSA Communications Director
Ready to use the Internet to make your farm or farm project more successful?  Confused by all the new options:  Twitter, Facebook, web hosting services?  Come learn about what works and what doesn't.  Bring your questions and experiences to share.

Mushrooms Advanced Class     Tradd Cotter, Mushroom Mountain
A continuation of the previous workshop, covering more advanced topics.  Plenty of time for your questions and special concerns.  This Mushrooms 102 will cover mycoremediation of contaminated environments, designing a living filtration system, mycopesticides, cultivating mushrooms on agricultural wastes and invasive plants, large scale cultivation, and new medicinal discoveries.

Solar Projects on the Farm Mike Morris, National Center for Appropriate Technology
In homes and urban businesses, people build solar projects mainly to reduce their power bills or make themselves more comfortable. Farms are different. On a farm, solar projects open up creative management and marketing possibilities. This non-technical talk will take a fresh look at solar projects that work, and don’t work, on farms. We’ll also talk about how to find your way through the current maze of financial incentives.

Seedsaving with Cricket  Cricket Rakita, Quality Certification Services and CFSA Saving Our Seed Coordinator
This hands-on class will teach you the basics whys and hows of seedsaving for small farms.  It has never been more important that we document, save and swap seed as a response to industrial farming.  Learn smart techniques and try them out in this interactive session.

Biofuels Part 2    Staff of Piedmont Biofuels
This is part two of an exciting hands-on introduction to biofuels with instruction from the knowledgeable Piedmont Biofuels team.  Biofuels Part 2 will cover oilseed crushing technology, side-stream management and safe production practice suggestions.  We will be using the mobile biofuels laboratory.

Register today!