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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Appalachian Highlands Farmers Magazine
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260929T180000
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DTSTAMP:20260921T174839Z
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UID:9673-1790704800-1790715600@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:Farm Dreams Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Explore Whether Farming Is the Right Path at the Farm Dreams workshop\nOrganic Growers School will offer its Farm Dreams workshop online on September 29 from 6 to 9 p.m.\, giving aspiring farmers an opportunity to explore what it takes to turn an interest in agriculture into a realistic farming plan. \nFarm Dreams workshop is an entry-level program for people considering starting a small farm but who may not yet know what type of operation they want to build\, what training they need\, or what resources they already have. \nRather than assuming participants are ready to launch a farm business\, the workshop encourages them to examine whether farming fits their skills\, goals\, and desired lifestyle. \n\n\nAssess Skills\, Resources and Intentions\nParticipants will assess their existing resources\, skills\, and farming intentions while beginning to develop an educational plan for their agricultural goals. \nFarm Dreams workshop also introduces participants to sustainable farming careers in Western North Carolina and to regional training programs and support networks that can help them continue learning. Experienced North Carolina farmers will participate\, giving prospective producers a chance to hear from people already operating farms. \nThat can be valuable for people who have enthusiasm for farming but limited experience with the business and lifestyle realities that come with agricultural production. \nQuestions about land\, equipment\, production knowledge\, business planning\, and markets can quickly become important when someone moves from gardening or agricultural employment toward operating an independent farm. \nA Starting Point in Farmer Education\nOrganic Growers School offers farmer education for people at several stages of their agricultural careers. Farm Dreams serves as an early step for those still exploring farming\, while programs such as Farm Beginnings and Journeyperson provide more intensive training for people farther along in their farming careers. \nThe September 29 session is online\, making it accessible to prospective farmers throughout the Appalachian Highlands without requiring travel to Western North Carolina. \nFarm Dreams workshop Participants can use the workshop to identify gaps in their experience\, consider the resources they will need\, and establish practical next steps before making major financial or land commitments. \nOrganic Growers School describes the Farm Dreams workshop as practical\, common-sense training designed to help prospective farmers better understand both the challenges and possibilities of starting a farm. The organization offers registration online. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/farm-dreams/
LOCATION:Online / Virtual\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260929T190000
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CREATED:20260913T153925Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T190054Z
UID:9675-1790708400-1790713800@appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com
SUMMARY:NC AgVentures Grant Application Webinar
DESCRIPTION:NC AgVentures will offer a Farm Grant Application Overview Webinar on September 29 at 7 p.m. to help North Carolina farmers understand eligibility\, project requirements\, and the 2026 application process.  \nLearn How to Prepare a NC AgVentures Grant Application \nNorth Carolina farmers considering a NC AgVentures Farm Grant can learn about the program and application process during the NC AgVentures Grant Application Webinar on November 9 at 6:30 p.m. \nThe online workshop is designed for prospective applicants who want to better understand the grant program before submitting a proposal. NC AgVentures is an N.C. State Extension program funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. The program provides competitive cost-share grants to eligible family farms and qualifying community organizations for projects intended to increase farm income and strengthen agricultural businesses. \nThe organizers offer three applicant webinars during the 2026 grant cycle\, including the November 9 session. NC AgVentures says each webinar will cover the same information\, so farmers can choose the session that best fits their schedules. \n\n\nGrants of Up to $10\,000 Available\nNC AgVentures offers awards of up to $10\,000. Eligible farm applicants must operate an established\, independent North Carolina farm that has generated revenue for at least one year. \nFarm projects may include efforts to add new crops\, increase efficiency\, expand production\, develop new markets\, or add infrastructure that can improve profitability. Previous projects have included greenhouses\, farm stores\, packing facilities\, labor-saving equipment\, and equipment for value-added production. Recipients cannot use grant funds to purchase land or animals. \nRecipients must contribute at least 15% of the total project cost in cash. For example\, a farmer requesting grant funding must develop a total project budget large enough to include that required contribution. \nThe program also offers Community Grants for nonprofit organizations\, cooperatives\, and government organizations whose projects directly benefit at least three farms. \nExtension Agents Play a Role\nFarm applicants must work with a N.C. Cooperative Extension agent on their proposals. \nNC AgVentures encourages applicants to contact their Extension agent early and requires applicants to contact an agent by December 1 to schedule time to discuss the proposed project and review the application. Farmers who do not already work closely with an Extension agent can contact their local Extension office for assistance. \nThe webinar can help applicants understand what information they should begin gathering before that consultation. \nThe application includes sections covering farm and contact information\, the proposed project\, project viability\, and the budget. Reviewers consider factors such as whether the project can increase farm income\, improve efficiency\, create or maintain employment\, introduce a new opportunity\, and become financially sustainable. \nNC AgVentures Grant Application Window Opens October 15\nNC AgVentures will begin accepting applications October 15. The deadline is December 15 at 6 p.m.\, but applicants should not assume they can wait until the deadline. \nThe program will accept up to 200 applications for the 2026 cycle. If 200 completed applications arrive before December 15\, the online portal will close early. Each farm may submit only one application. \nFor Appalachian Highlands Farmers Magazine readers\, eligibility depends on location. NC AgVentures serves several counties within or near the magazine’s North Carolina coverage area\, including Alleghany\, Ashe\, Surry\, Wilkes\, and Yadkin counties. The separate WNC AgOptions program serves many western North Carolina counties. Farmers should verify which grant program covers their county before applying. \nAdvance registration is required for the November 9 webinar through NC AgVentures. \n  \nRead our full-length articles about educational opportunities here!
URL:https://appalachianhighlandsfarmers.com/event/nc-agventures-grant-application-webinar/
LOCATION:Online / Virtual\, United States
CATEGORIES:Education,Grants & Deadlines,Webinars
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