ASAP Connections

Farm Taxes Workshop
2023-03-02 19:00 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Online/Virtual
Free, virtual workshop live on Zoom.
The workshop will cover Recordkeeping & Accounting to Make Tax Filing Easier, as well as Common Deductions in a Farm context, Schedule F and 1040, Filing Requirements, and Hobby Loss Rules in Cultural Context.
Please note that when registering, you’ll need to use an email address already connected to a Zoom account.
For more info on Agricultural Financial, Tax and Asset Protection go to https://agftap.org/

Fiber Farmer Listening Session - Rutherfordton, NC
2023-03-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Cherry Mountain Farm, 3946 US 64 Hwy, Rutherfordton, North Carolina, 28139, United States
Calling all Fiber Farmers!

Our non-profit, Local Cloth, received a small grant in 2022 to create a new online map and database of fiber farms in the Blue Ridge Mountains Fibershed (farms located within a 100 mile radius of Asheville, NC).

As part of this project, we are holding Fiber Farmer Listening Sessions in three regions of our Fibershed this March:

March 1 at The Local Cloth Studio, 6-8pm, in Asheville, NC

March 2 at Cherry Mountain Farm, 1-3pm, in Rutherfordton, NC

March 3 at Two Roots Fiber Mill, 1-3pm, in Greeneville, TN

These gatherings are an opportunity to:

– Become part of a new online map and database of fiber farmers in our region
– Discuss what resources you need to be successful and grow your market
– Contribute fiber samples to a sample book that will be shared with our region’s fiber artists and designers
– Drop off a sample of your washed fiber for assessment with a micron tester and learn about its potential for value-added goods
– Learn about the possibility of selling fiber to Local Cloth for the Blue Ridge Blankets Project
– Connect with other farmers in your region for networking, community and support

We will have a guest speaker at each location, with topics including: agritourism, grants available to fiber farmers, and how to prepare your fiber for the mill.

Plus: Tours of Two Roots Fiber Mill and Cherry Mountain Farm.

These events are FREE and refreshments will be served.

Registration is required. Space is limited.

We hope to see you there!

To register, please visit our website:
https://localcloth.org/fiberfarmers

Navigating Food Safety on Small Farms
2023-03-01 18:00 - 2023-03-02 16:00 | SAHC Community Farm, Alexander, NC, 28701, United States
In this two-part workshop, we’ll review aspects of food safety and post-harvest handling suitable for small and micro farms, whose scale necessitates creative solutions for recommended best practices. Participants will gain an understanding of practical ways to maintain general food safety, and the requirements farms must follow under the FSMA Produce Safety rule. You must register for the webinar on March 1 in order to participate in the on-farm portion of the training.
Wednesday, March 1, 2023. 6pm – 8pm – Online Workshop
Day 1 offers a webinar format that will address important aspects of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), and highlight required actions for farms of any size.
Thursday, March 2, 2023. 2pm – 4pm – In-person Workshop in Alexander, NC
Day 2 will be an on-farm workshop at the SAHC Community Farm in Alexander, where we will walk through a small-scale wash/pack facility and discuss design considerations.

Fiber Farmer Listening Session - Asheville, NC
2023-03-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Local Cloth Studio, 408 Depot Street, Suite 100, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States

Small Farm Boot Camp: Produce Safety & Post-Harvest Handling
2023-02-27 18:00 - 20:00 | North Carolina Cooperative Extension McDowell County Center, 60 East Court Street, Marion, NC, 28752
Objectives of Produce Safety & Post-Harvest Handling
Understand produce harvest and post-harvest handling techniques for quality and safety.
Outline general produce safety considerations for diversified fruit and vegetable farms.
Understand the difference between third party food safety audits and federal regulations under FSMA Produce Safety Rule.
Determine where a farm falls under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-farm-boot-camp-produce-safety-post-harvest-handling-tickets-464338979387

30th Annual Spring Conference 2023
2023-02-24 00:00 - 2023-02-26 00:00 | Mars Hill University, 100 Athletic Street, Mars Hill, NC, 28754
Registration is NOW OPEN for our 30th Annual Spring Conference, taking place February 24th-26th at Mars Hill University.
You’re in for a fun-filled weekend of learning and community building. This year we have 15 different Tracks on subjects such as: Cooking, Food Justice, Farming Business + Production, Herbs, Mushrooms, Forest Farming, Gardening, Holistic Forestry, Livestock & Poultry, Living on the Land, Permaculture, Pests & Pollinators, Soils, and Sustainable Living!
For each Track subject, there are 4 different classes to choose from taught by expert educators. There will also be 8 half-day workshops to choose from if you want to dive deep into subjects like Fermentation, Spirulina Cultivation, Invasive Vine Basketry, and more!
Head to our website to view the full Spring Conference schedule and register today! >> https://organicgrowersschool.org/conferences/spring/
Our new sliding scale pricing allows participants to access the price that meets their financial needs. Check out our blog for more info on Sliding Scale here >> http://bit.ly/3OSDE1z

New to Vegetable Gardening?
2023-02-23 18:00 - 19:30 | North Carolina Cooperative Extension McDowell County Center, 60 East Court Street, Marion, NC, 28752
The Extension Gardener Training classes are open to anyone wanting to learn more about good gardening practices in Zone 7 based on research-based information. A new topic will be discussed each week during the series. You may join us for each of the six topics or you can choose which topics interest you.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-to-vegetable-gardening-tickets-464341476857

Small Farm Boot Camp: Season Extension
2023-02-20 18:00 - 20:00 | North Carolina Cooperative Extension McDowell County Center, 60 East Court Street, Marion, NC, 28752
Objectives for Season Extension:
Understand the advantages and disadvantages of season extension.
Recognize different types of season extension .
Develop base knowledge in management practices (irrigation, fertilization, weeds).
Become familiar with the resources on obtaining and implementing season extension.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-farm-boot-camp-season-extension-tickets-464337956327

The Basics of Growing Fruits & Berries
2023-02-16 18:00 - 19:30 | North Carolina Cooperative Extension McDowell County Center, 60 East Court Street, Marion, NC, 28752
The Extension Gardener Training classes are open to anyone wanting to learn more about good gardening practices in Zone 7 based on research-based information. A new topic will be discussed each week during the series. You may join us for each of the six topics or you can choose which topics interest you.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-basics-of-growing-fruits-berries-tickets-464340604247

Lunch and Learn with RAFI: Learn about NRCS programs
2023-02-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Online/Virtual
Lunch and Learn with RAFI about Natural Resource and Conservation Services programs to farmers: Come to an easy virtual lunch and learn hosted by OGS and RAFI to learn about NRCS programs available to farmers

Small Farm Boot Camp: Small Fruit Production
2023-02-13 18:00 - 20:00 | North Carolina Cooperative Extension McDowell County Center, 60 East Court Street, Marion, NC, 28752
Objectives for Small Fruit Production:
Understand production requirements to grow small fruit production for market.
Analyze a site’s suitability for fruit production by identifying key elements.
Demonstrate proper fruit pruning.
Evaluate various marketing channels and select the best option.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-farm-boot-camp-small-fruit-production-tickets-464337294347

ASAP's Business of Farming Conference
2023-02-11 08:30 - 16:00 | A-B Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Dr., Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
ASAP’s annual Business of Farming Conference brings together professional farmers from across the Southeast region to network and share resources to grow their farm businesses. Farmers learn about marketing, business planning, and financial management from regional experts and innovative peers. The conference is designed for beginning and established farmers as well as those seriously considering farming as a profession.
Scholarships available for BIPOC and limited-resource farms.
Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.
Registration is open now!

Fermentation Club
2023-02-07 16:00 - 17:00 | NC
Fermenti Foods presents…
We NOW Have A Store!!!! Located at 175 Weaverville Highway Unit G Asheville, NC 28804!
Hours: Saturday 10-4pm & Tuesday 12-5pm
Our NEW FERMENTATION CLUB will meet the 1st Tuesday of every month from 4-5pm at our store in Woodfin, NC.

Small Farm Boot Camp: Vegetable Production
2023-02-06 18:00 - 20:00 | North Carolina Cooperative Extension McDowell County Center, 60 East Court Street, Marion, NC, 28752
Objectives for Vegetable Production:
Understand how to do a farm site analysis.
Understand key aspects of crop production to produce marketable crops.
Understand key aspects of crop protection with introduction to IPM.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-farm-boot-camp-vegetable-production-tickets-464336622337

Backyard Beekeeping with Ashley English
2023-02-06 16:00 - 17:30 | Henderson County Public Library – Edneyville Branch, 2 Firehouse Rd, Hendersonville, NC, 28792, United States
Pondering “to bee or not to bee”? Come explore all things related to backyard beekeeping with local author Ashley English. Together we’ll discuss the basics of getting started with keeping a hive of honeybees. Topics include: What to consider beforehand, housing, feeding, essential equipment, obtaining bees, hive inspections, a year of bee care, health and wellness, and honey.
Registration Required- Call the Edneyville Library at 828-685-0110 to register.
This free program for all ages is funded by the Friends of the Library.

Industrial Hemp Opportunities
2023-01-31 10:00 - 14:00 | Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station, 455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC, 28759
Join NC State University researchers and area growers to learn about new opportunities for hemp production focusing on fiber and value-added products made from hemp biomass, including spent materials from floral hemp. Topics include agronomic research, variety trials, and innovative consumer bioproducts. Registration is free, lunch is provided.

Small Farm Boot Camp: Soil Health
2023-01-30 18:00 - 20:00 | NC
The soil health and management module is meant as a basic introduction to soil health concepts. The aim of the module is to inform participants of how important soil is to farm health and productivity, considerations for managing soil health, and management practices that may improve environmental, economic, and productivity outcomes.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-farm-boot-camp-soil-health-tickets-464336211107

Small Farm Boot Camp: Getting Started With Local Food Production
2023-01-23 18:00 - 20:00 | NC
Getting Started With Local Food Production provides an introduction to local food systems, community assets to help you get started, and identifying market channels and strategies to help you grow your small farm business.
Welcome to Small Farm Boot Camp! The training contains 7 modules. You may take one, a few, or all depending on your needs.
This training was developed by Specialists and Extension Agents with North Carolina Cooperative Extension Local Food Program.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-farm-boot-camp-getting-started-with-local-food-production-tickets-464335639397

Accessing Capital & Loan Preparation for Small Farm Businesses
2022-12-05 14:00 - 16:00 | A-B Tech, Enka Campus, 1463 Sand Hill Road, Candler, NC, 28715, United States
In collaboration with the Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF), AB-Tech Small Business Center, and ASAP, this workshop will explore ways to access capital, how to prepare for a loan, and explain how access to capital affects the success of a small farm business.

Acceso a Capital y Preparación de Préstamos Para Pequeñas Empresas Agrícolas
2022-12-05 14:00 - 16:00 | A-B Tech, Enka Campus, 1463 Sand Hill Road, Candler, NC, 28715, United States
En colaboración con el Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF), AB-Tech Small Business Center y ASAP, este taller explorará formas de acceder al capital, cómo prepararse para un préstamo y explica cómo el acceso al capital afecta el éxito de un pequeño negocio agrícola.

Hendersonville Farmers Market Holiday Market
2022-12-03 09:00 - 13:00, 2022-11-19 09:00 - 13:00 | Hendersonville Farmers Market, 650 Maple Street, Hendersonville, NC, 28792, United States
Holiday Market featuring favorite community craft vendors, baked goods, local products and late fall produce.

Kudzu Culture Fair
2022-12-01 15:00 - 19:00 | Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station, 455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC, 28759
Curious about kudzu? Join Kudzu Culture and Cooperate WNC on December 1, from 3 – 7pm, at The Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, North Carolina, for the inaugural Kudzu Culture Fair. Participants are invited to attend a Root Harvest Training from 3:30 – 5pm in the auditorium, followed by a Kudzu Craft and Products Fair from 5 – 7pm, featuring regional art, craft, and culinary and herbal products made from kudzu.
Horiko-San (堀り子さん) is what kudzu root diggers are called in Japan. Often these diggers are farmers who wild-harvest kudzu roots during the cold season as a supplement to their farming. Here in Western North Carolina we have a legacy of herbal root digging and we have an opportunity to aggregate high-quality kudzu roots for cooperate processing. We hope to see you on December 1 to learn and share all things kudzu, including how to be a Horiko-San! Together we will discuss the need for cooperative kudzu harvesting, aggregation and processing in order to strengthen a regional kudzu supply chain.
If you are interested in volunteering or vending please email kudzuculture@gmail.com or call Kudzu Culture at 828-280-7874. Volunteer roles for December 1 include helping with setup, vendor load-in, and cleanup.

Flat Rock Farmers Market Holiday Market
2022-12-01 14:00 - 17:00 | Flat Rock Farmers Market, 2720 Greenville Hwy., Flat Rock, NC
Local craft items will be for sale during the holiday market, plus, james and jellies, prepared foods, baked goods, natural body-care products, and late fall crops.

Improving Farm Communications (Part 2)
2022-11-20 10:00 - 16:00 | Creekside Farms Education Center, 339 Avery Creek Rd, Arden, NC, 28704
Effective communication is essential and can be transformative for your farm operation. In this two-day long interactive workshop, Improving Farm Communication, participants will address real-life situations to learn about communication styles, ways to have better conversations, and have a chance to practice new skills. In this workshop, we will cover the basics of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), aka Compassionate Communication, and how it can be applied to your personal, farm life, and business. On-farm communication is critical for farm viability and is one of the most common sources of conflict and frustration for farmers, family members, business partners, employees, and customers.
Come if you:
Are part of a farm family or farm team
See the benefit of improved communication skills
Would like to have conversations that aren’t so awkward
Are ready to tackle difficult conversations
Find the stress of farm life difficult to express to others
Cost: $20 for a two-day workshop, including lunch on both days.

Mills River Farm Market Holiday Market
2022-11-19 09:00 - 13:00 | Mills River Farmers Market, Highway 280, Mills River, 28759
Holiday Market featuring community craft vendors, late fall produce and local products.

WNC Medicinal Herb Growers: Grower/Buyer Social
2022-11-15 14:00 - 18:00 | Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station, 455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC, 28759
The annual Grower/Buyer Social event on November 15th from 2-6 p.m. is a celebration of our diverse community of makers and producers. After a break during the pandemic, we welcome you back to an in-person gathering in Mills River, NC. Join us for an afternoon of networking with fellow growers, wholesale buyers and other professionals working with medicinal herbs. Cost: $12
There’s still time to register! Register on Eventbrite

Multi-Farm Collaboration Meeting
2022-11-14 18:00 - 20:00 | McDowell County Senior Center, 100 Spaulding Rd, Marion, NC, 28752, United States
Looking to reach new markets? Would you like to receive a premium price for your products? Would you like to share in the costs of production? Would you like to see more of your fresh, local produce or meats being enjoyed in the region where it is grown?
The NC Farmers of the Foothills, initiated in 2020, is an alliance of farmers looking to pool resources and market their goods to the community. There are opportunities to sell with an online marketplace, multi-farm Community Supported Agriculture, and other local food purchasing programs. The alliance also looks to share in costs of production and other expenses.
Join us to learn and have input on this alliance for 2023. Dinner will be served. Please register. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/444138007737

Etowah Lions Club Farmers Market Holiday Market
2022-11-12 09:00 - 16:00 | NC
Join us for our indoor holiday market on Saturday, Nov. 12.

An Appalachian Grown Harvest
2022-11-11 17:00 - 20:30 | Yesterdays Spaces, 305 Sluder Branch Road, Leicester, NC, 28748, United States
WHEN: Nov. 11, 5 to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Yesterday’s Spaces, 305 Sluder Branch Road, Leicester, NC
Join us for a one-of-a-kind meal prepared by some of the area’s best chefs, all sourced from local farms! ASAP has been creating connections between our region’s farmers, restaurants, and community for more than 20 years. We are celebrating the milestone anniversary of the organization and the end of the harvest season by coming together at the table to share An Appalachian Grown Harvest. Reserve your tickets here.
Featuring chefs Melinda Aponte (YWCA), Kelsianne Bebout (BeeBowBakes), Matt Caudle (Cúrate) William Dissen (The Market Place), Luis Martinez (Tequio Foods), Eric Morris (Cultura), and Jen Pearson (Guadalupe Cafe).
