There are myriad ways to get involved in the local food movement. Whether you’re interested in farming, homesteading, gardening, or living sustainably, Organic Growers School provides you with a spectrum of educational programs and events to help you at any stage of your organic journey.

CRAFT Farm Tours

April–October 2018  •  Times and Locations Vary

WNC CRAFT is a farmer-led networking and training program in Western NC. Farm tours are a core component of the program and will teach you how successful farmers are running their enterprises. A CRAFT membership is required, and your one-time fee will grant you access to all tours.

Silvopasture—Animals in the Woods!—Farm Tour

Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018  •  2:00–6:00  •  Glorious Forest Farm

In partnership with the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farming Coalition, OGS is hosting a public farm tour that will include hazelnut variety trials and breeding plots, polyculture tree crop plantings, and diverse silvopasture systems.

Homestead Dreams

Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018  •  10:00–5:00  • Creekside Farms Education Center

Whether you own or rent a home or live in a rural or urban setting, you can learn to incorporate small-scale, self-sufficiency and sustainability into your life through this entry-level, one-day exploratory workshop.

Farm Beginnings®

October 2018 – September 2019  •  Times and Locations Vary

Farm Beginnings® is a one-year training, networking, and mentoring program led by farmers in WNC. The program will help you build the skills to start and expand your own successful farm business through coursework, conferences, farm tours, and one-on-one mentorship.

Cuba Agroecology Tour

Monday, Jan. 14 – Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019  •  Cuba

Join OGS for a tour of Cuba’s sustainable farms. Learn from farmers and food activists about Cuba’s transition to agroecological farming practices. Acquire the knowledge and strategies to create just, sustainable, local, and healthy food systems in your own communities.

Spring Conference

Friday–Sunday, Mar. 8–10 2019  •  UNC Asheville

The Spring Conference is a one-of-a-kind event that offers regionally specific workshops on organic growing and sustainable living. We will open registration and publish the 2019 schedule, class and workshop descriptions, and instructor bios in mid-December 2018.

Gardening Series

Tuesdays  •  March 5–April 9, 2019  •  Black Mountain and Asheville, NC

This six-class series will teach you everything you need to know about growing and expanding your garden—from planning and planting to production and pests. Every other class takes place at the Dr. John Wilson Community Garden for hands-on instruction.

Farm Dreams

Date and Location TBD

If you’re in the exploratory stages of starting your own farm, this entry-level workshop is designed just for you. You will receive practical, common-sense information on sustainable farming and hear from experienced farmers running successful farms in WNC.