Our hands-on training, workshops, conferences, and partnerships inspire, educate, and support people to farm, garden, and live organically.

Mentor Services

February 2021 – February 2022 • One-on-One Farmer Mentorship

Mentor Services supports beginning and intermediate farmers by partnering them with experienced regional farmers who can provide them with one-on-one practical planning skills in the areas of farm design and production, marketing and business development, systems management, and connect them to the regional farming community. By serving as Mentors, regional farmers will be able to pass on the skills and knowledge that they possess to other farmers and help to build collaboration and community among the farming community.

Journeyperson

December 2020 – March 2022 • Virtual Program with Optional Gatherings

Journeyperson helps farmers expand and improve their farm business by planning smartly and going in deeper to analyze their individual business needs. We’ll take a dive into holistic financial planning, revising goals and values, and detailed enterprise analysis, all based on a solid foundation of your own farm numbers. The program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for 3 or more years and are serious about operating their farm business.

Farm Dreams

January 30, 2021 & February 20, 2021 •  Online

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.

Cuba Agroecology Tour

Tuesday, Jan. 5 – Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021  •  Cuba

Tuesday June 22 - Thursday, July 1, 2021 • 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.

Homestead Dreams

February 27, 2021 •  Location TBD

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.

Spring Conference

March 13-21, 2021  •  Online

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 2021 schedule, class and workshop descriptions, and instructor bios in mid-December 2020.

Spring Gardening Series

2021 Dates Coming Soon  •  Location TBD

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 Beginnings® Year-Long Farmer Training

October 2021 – September 2022  •  Now Offered Virtually

Farm Beginnings® Year-Long Farmer Training is a 200+ hour comprehensive training, networking, and mentoring program led by farmers in around the Southern Appalachian community. 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.

Fall Gardening Series

2021 Dates Coming Soon •  Location TBD

Join Diana McCall, garden manager at the Dr. John Wilson Community Garden, for two evenings in her Black Mountain garden. Discover when to seed and transplant, which vegetables to plant, site location based on the hours of sunlight, and simple techniques for winter protection.

Harvest Conference

2021 Dates Coming Soon • Location TBD

An educational event that offers affordable classes on organic growing and sustainable living. The September 2020 conference (now with a full online schedule!) features dix stand-alone 1-day workshops taught by outstanding guest speakers. Topics include Cherokee Foods, Farm Business, and Herbal Tonics.