The Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) is a coordinated effort to bring established farmers, farm apprentices, and students of agriculture together for a comprehensive training program in sustainable agriculture. The goal of this program is to give established, successful farmers a stake in the training of our next generation of growers, and to give farm apprentices a rich educational experience that truly encompasses the ins and outs of farm operation.
OGS has partnered with key organizations in the region to build the CRAFT program into a richer, more beneficial experience for both established and beginning farmers. Our work with the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project and Mountain BizWorks is making farmer-centered business planning training, marketing consulting, and access to capital available to the growers involved with CRAFT. In 2012, we launched CRAFT Southeast, a program for farmers in Eastern Tennessee, Southwestern NC, and surrounding areas.
Funding for these initiatives has been provided by the Beattie Foundation, and by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2010-49400-21817.
CRAFT is a membership program, and there is a place for everyone. You may join as a farm with your interns, a farm without interns, an aspiring farm or farm apprentice, or an interested friend or non-commercial grower. Join online today, or Download a membership form today and join this important regional effort to strengthen the future of sustainable farming in the Southern Appalachians . Membership is open year-round, so you may join anytime. If you have questions, contact Cameron at 828.338.9465 or via email at cameron@organicgrowersschool.org
Join online NOW for the 2013 Season or Print an application and send by mail.
Farmers who join by March will have the opportunity to plan curriculum and host tours!
Organic Growers School