Mission

Blue Ridge Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) cultivates meaningful mentor relationships between aspiring and experienced farmers. We believe that the educational and professional development of tomorrow’s growers and producers informs the health of our diverse local-food system and rural economy.  The CRAFT has internship listings for the High Country and workshops for farmer training. Based upon Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) models like Organic Growers School CRAFT and similar apprenticeship networks, Blue Ridge CRAFT connects aspiring farmers with experienced farmers and encourages innovative on-farm educational and professional experiences. Central to our efforts is providing tools to established farmers that will enhance their mentorship abilities.

Connection to Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA)

Blue Ridge CRAFT is a program of Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, an non-profit organization located in Boone, N.C., that is dedicated to strengthening the High Country's local food system by supporting women and their families with resources, education, and skills related to sustainable food and agriculture.

Basic Info

History

CRAFT first emerged in New York's Hudson Valley in 1994 as "a cooperative effort of local organic and biodynamic farms organized to enhance educational opportunities for farm apprentices." And, it has since spread to many other communities. Each organization is unique, but dedicated to the advancement of tomorrow's growers. To learn more about other CRAFT organizations, click here.

In the fall of 2014, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture was approached by established farmers seeking a way to provide structured education and training to their on-farm apprentices. Through further input from the community, Blue Ridge CRAFT was formed with the goals of: 

• Connecting aspiring farmers with established farmer-mentors in the High Country
• Providing structured educational opportunities and training to aspiring farmers
• Providing labor-management education and assistance to established farmers

As we work together to form a more resilient and just food system and local economy, Blue Ridge CRAFT believes that is imperative that we encourage candid, meaningful conversations, form durable and inclusive partnerships, engage best practices, and excite innovation and creativity.

Internships and Apprenticeship Opportunities

Check out this link for Internships and Apprenticeship Opportunities: http://craft.brwia.org/internship--farm-employment-opportunities.html

To learn more about other apprenticeship listings, visit the Organic Growers School's Apprentice Link or ATTRA's internship/apprenticeship webpage, or Carolina Farm Stewardship Association's internship/apprenticeship webpage.

To list your farm apprenticeship opportunities, please email craft@brwia.org.

Upcoming Events

 Check out this link to see upcoming events in the High Country Area that deal with mentorship, managing labor, and beginning farmer training: http://craft.brwia.org/upcoming-events

Photos from CRAFT Workshop & Potlucks:

 CRAFT Workshop @ Against the Grain Farm in Watauga County, North Carolina  
CRAFT Workshop @ Tumbling Shoals Farm in Wilkes County, North Carolina