Source: NCSU COLLEGE OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES, 12/15/11
 

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) will host a series of train-the-trainer workshops designed to prepare N.C. Cooperative Extension employees to better support new farmers. “Bringing New Farmers to the Table: Addressing the Supply Side of the 10% Campaign” will be held in five locations, beginning Jan. 19.

The training will focus on support of beginning farmers: land access, capital and credit issues, and business planning. The workshops are part of CEFS’ annual Seasons of Sustainable Agriculture workshop series.

Workshops will run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and training dates are:
Jan. 19, 2012 – West District, Madison County Cooperative Extension Center
Register through iLMS (Deadline to register is Jan. 4, 5 p.m.)
Feb. 1,2012 – North Central District, Alamance County Cooperative Extension Center
Register through iLMS (Deadline is Jan 18, 5 p.m.)
Feb. 2, 2012 – Northeast District, Vernon James Research and Extension Center, Plymouth
Register through iLMS (Deadline is Jan 18, 5 p.m. )
Feb. 15, 2012 – South Central District, Moore County Cooperative Extension Center
Register through iLMS (Deadline is Feb. 1, 5 p.m. )
March 9, 2012, Southeast District, Duplin County Cooperative Extension Center
Register through iLMS (Deadline is March 23, 5 p.m.)

Please click on the iLMS link to fill in, print and mail in the paper registration and required $15 registration fee.

CEFS will facilitate this training focused on making support for beginning farmers an integral part of CEFS’ 10% Campaign. Instructors (noted on registration form) will use a train the trainer approach to present and discuss some of the top challenges facing beginning farmers in North Carolina.

This training is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture. The training is open to all Extension agents, directors and Local Food Coordinators.

Beginning farmers from each district will speak from his/her experience in getting started. CEFS also hopes to include a peer-to-peer opportunity to hear successes from agents who work regularly with beginning farmers.

This project is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, grant number #2010-49400-21733.
Please contact Joanna Lelekacs with any questions: joanna_lelekacs@ncsu.edu, 919.244.5269.