Local Food Networks Conference

Virginia Cooperative Extension and Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation & Rural Sustainability (Virginia FAIRS) in partnership with USDA Rural Development and Lulus Local Food are pleased to announce the . . .

2012 Local Food Networks Conference

Monday, February 27, & Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Virginia Farm Bureau

Richmond, Virginia

 Who should attend?

Farmers, farmers’ market managers, school system representatives, community representatives and Extension faculty who are developing local food systems, and anyone who is exploring new marketing opportunities for local foods.

Who is speaking?

Each topic and speaker is designed to transition you from the “big picture” to the specifics. The program is included within the email for your review (see below). Most of the speakers have confirmed, but a few have not yet been able to commit.

How do we register?

Just visit

Complete the registration page.

What does it cost?

$25 per person. This investment includes all meals and conference materials.

Need more information?

Just contact Chris Cook at Virginia Farm Bureau or me . . . we are happy to answer your questions.

Chris and Martha

Chris Cook
Assistant Director Rural Development
Virginia Farm Bureau Federation
(o) 804.290.1111
email: ccook@vafb.com
P.O. Box 27552, Richmond, VA 23261
VirginiaFarmBureau.com

 Martha A. Walker, Ph.D.

Community Viability Specialist
Virginia Cooperative Extension
150B Slayton Avenue, Suite 112D
Danville, VA 24540
Telephone 434.766.6761

walker53@vt.edu

Growers Academy

Are you a beginning farmer and want to start a business? Have you been farming but want to explore a different business model? Are you thinking about retirement options and like the idea of your own production business?

If your answer is yes, the Growers Academy is right for you and is now open for enrollment!
This is VT EarthWorks third year offering the Growers Academy in partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension. We have learned a lot along the way, and this year is going to be the best Academy yet!
The Growers Academy is designed for graduating participants to walk away with a business and marketing plan, and a firm grasp on basic low-input, land management practices. Participants will receive a Growers Academy notebook and a resource CD, both filled with literature and numerous, valuable resources for you to refer to as you establish your business. If you do not have a land to start your business, don't let that stop you, Growers Academy graduates are eligible to lease space at the Catawba Sustainability Center.
Please see the attached flier for more information on the Growers Academy, or visit http://www.cpe.vt.edu/reg/grac/ to register online. Our syllabus is available upon request. There are limited seats available so register early. The registration deadline is January 17th!
Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have about the Academy or leasing land at the Catawba Sustainability Center.

Christy

--
Christy Gabbard
Director, Catawba Sustainability Center
& VT EarthWorks - accelerating land-based businesses

Outreach & International Affairs
Virginia Tech Roanoke Center
108 N. Jefferson Street, Suite 701
Roanoke VA 24016

(540) 767-6114 - office
(540) 558-8010 - mobile
(540) 767-6110 - fax