past projects

On-Farm Biodiesel Demonstration Project

As farms are looking for ways to cope with high and fluctuating energy costs, some are exploring the possibility of making their own fuel from agricultural products or byproducts, including vegetable oil or crops that can be grown locally.

Piedmont Biofuels, the National Center for Appropriate Technology, and the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association are collaborating to produce a series of workshops on on-farm biodiesel production and use. Funding for this workshop is provided by the USDA-Risk Management Agency, through a cooperative partnership agreement with the National Center for Appropriate Technology, as part of a project called “Managing Farm Energy Risks.”

Piedmont Biofuels, a biodiesel cooperative from Pittsboro, North Carolina, leads the seminars, which cover the basics of biodiesel production, proper handling and use of biodiesel, and a hands-on opportunity for participants to make a small batch of biodiesel.

The main objective of the workshop is to demystify biodiesel production, emphasizing methods for producing high quality fuel as well as proper safety precautions. People of all levels of experience are encouraged to attend, from just curious to commercial biodiesel producers.  Questions are encouraged, so come out and learn about how you can convert plant matter and restaurant waste into a high quality fuel for diesel engines.

 

Farm Incubators: Growing New Farms; Sustaining New Farmers

Incubators are educational farms where new growers can lease a parcel of land and gain access to equipment and advanced knowledge without having to buy it. The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association is now working to create and sustain farm incubators to serve new Carolinas farmers, thanks to a $15,000 grant from the Ben & Jerry’s foundation and donor support.

Our Goals:
Encourage young farmers to continue the strong agricultural tradition of the Carolinas and ensure our food supply for the future.
Give incoming farmers the chance to develop farming skills without “betting the ranch.”
Provide business planning assistance to farmers participating in the farm incubator project.
Organize People & Institutions to create incubators in each of the Carolinas’ other major climate regions.