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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. |
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When: Sunday, April 14th, 2024, 1pm-4pm
Where: 838 Howards Creek Church Road, Boone NC, 28607 Cost: recommended donation Want to learn how to make and use Biochar? Join us at Laughing Springs Farm with Working Landscapes and Biochar Researcher, Alex Gray for a learning experience where we will use an Oregon Kiln to make Biochar! This hands-on workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn about biochar's incredible potential to enhance soil health, increase crop yields, and mitigate climate change. us as we harness the power of biochar to cultivate healthier soils, foster biodiversity, and build sustainable local food system. This course will cover the following:
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When: Sunday, May 5th, 2024, 9:30am-12pm
Where: 619 Camp Joy Rd, Zionville, NC 28698 Cost: recommended donation Want to learn how to make and use Biochar? Join us at Laughing Springs Farm with Working Landscapes and Biochar Researcher, Alex Gray for a learning experience where we will use an Oregon Kiln to make Biochar! This hands-on workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn about biochar's incredible potential to enhance soil health, increase crop yields, and mitigate climate change. us as we harness the power of biochar to cultivate healthier soils, foster biodiversity, and build sustainable local food system. 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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