Program areas at Organic Growers School
OGS hosted the 30th Spring Conference, which is one of the largest grassroots gatherings of this kind in the Southeastern US, attracting over 1500 attendees. The conference inspires and educates people to farm, garden, and live organically by providing affordable, practical, and hands-on education. Farm Dreams is for those in the exploratory stages of starting their own farm. This entry-level workshop provides practical, common sense information on sustainable farming and how to move forward.
Organic Growing and Living: Programs such as Homegrown Dreams and Gardening Series help people gain knowledge on sustainable living and growing through various workshops designed to meet their needs. Fiscal Sponsorship: OGS is a fiscal sponsor of the Food Justice Planning Initiative (FJPI). FJPI is transitioning to a stand alone nonprofit call WNC Food Systems. They are awaiting IRS approval of 501(c)3 status. OGS also fiscally sponsors La Escuela Campesina Project, which is a colloration with Cooperative Tierra Fertil and Cooperate WNC. These organization are primarly funded through grants. The grant income and related program expenses are included in the OGS financial results for tax purposes.
Farm Beginnings is training for the generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings will help build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) is a farmer-led effort to bring established armers, farm apprentices, and aspiring farmers together for year-long training in the art and science of sustainable agriculture. Journeyperson Program is designed for farmers who have been independently farming for three or more years and are serious about operating farm businesses in the Southern Appalachian region.