The Organic Growers School

Now in its 15th year, the OGS seeks to provide down-to-earth and affordable information on all aspects of sustainable living, from raising healthy food with environmentally-friendly methods, to using renewable energy, cooking wholesome meals, and creating native landscaping.  We do this primarily through our three programs: The Organic Growers School Spring Conference, the Farmer to Farmer Mentoring Series, and the True Nature Country Fair.

The Organic Growers School, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, is a result of the cooperation between representatives of North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, North Carolina State University, Warren Wilson College, Blue Ridge Community College and many WNC farmers & educators.

Join us for the first workshop in our 2008 Farmer Education Series:

The Up and Coming Organic Landscape
and Lawncare Industry

with Cliff Ruth, Extension Area Agent for the green industry in
Henderson and Transylvania Counties

August 26, 2008, 3:00 to 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum Auditorium
Registration Fee: $20.
Contact Meredith McKissick at 828 450 2026 or
info@organicgrowersschool.org to register.

There is an increasing demand for organic nursery stock, organic lawncare, and landscaping that can be maintained organically.
Attend this workshop to learn about opportunities this might present for your business. In many cases there are organic fertilizers and sprays that accomplish similar objectives to conventional approaches. These materials may have added benefits such as helping with drought-hardiness. In other cases sprays may be applied with fewer applicator protections than needed for chemical pesticides. While you may not want to switch your whole practice to organic, understanding organic concepts may allow you to offer a product that sets you apart from your competitors.

Second Annual True Nature Country Fair
September 26-28, 2008
Deerfields- Mills River, NC
A celebration of sustainable living in the southern Appalachians! Watch here for details.

Organic Growers School Spring Conference

Watch here for details about the 2009 OGS Spring Conference.