Business of Farming Conference

ASAP offers a limited number of conference scholarships for BIPOC or limited resource farmers located within our Appalachian Grown region. The award covers 100% of registration cost.

Sponsoring ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference showcases you as a leader of the local food movement and ensures that farmers have the tools they need to grow and thrive. Sponsor benefits include press and marketing exposure, exhibitor and networking opportunities, and free conference registration and locally sourced meals.

To learn about sponsorship options, contact Development Director Nora Scheff at nscheff@asapconnections.org.

Choose from more than a dozen workshops for beginning and established farmers. Workshops are rotated with new and repeated ones offered each year, and include business planning, farm financials, marketing, branding, legal considerations, and more, led by regional professionals and innovative farmers.

See full list of workshops here.

Meet with chefs, distributors, artisan producers, and grocers to discuss sourcing and possible matches between what you produce and what each buyer needs. (It’s like speed dating for local sourcing!) Many farmers have made connections with participating buyers, and many more have improved their ability to serve wholesale accounts. See the list of buyers and learn more about Grower-Buyer Meetings.

Meet with experts who can provide your farm with individual support. These informal meetings are available on a drop-in, first-come-first-served basis.

• Production and Food Safety with Craig Mauney and
  Elena Rogers, NC Cooperative Extension
• Social Media Support with Oakley Brewer, ASAP
• Photography Tips with Camilla Calnan Photography
• Grant Writing with Jess Mrugula, Center for
  Environmental Farming Systems
• Tax Preparation with Joel L. Thum, CPA

The summit brings together farmers market managers from across the Appalachian Grown region for peer-sharing, technical assistance support, and annual planning. Farmers market managers or other representative may attend for free. Contact Mike McCreary to learn more about the summit. 

This year’s summit will include an overview of resources from ASAP and the North Carolina Farmers Market Network, deescalation field notes, and food safety rules and inspections, as well as peer-to-peer breakout groups to discuss challenges, efforts to build welcoming markets, and adapting to the unexpected or emergencies.

Volunteer at the conference and attend for free! Volunteers are asked to serve a minimum of 2 – 4 hours to support the conference. In exchange, volunteers receive meals, materials, and access to workshops and activities. Duties may include setup, breakdown, assisting caterers, moderating workshops, and registration. Sign up to volunteer here and contact Oakley Brewer for more information.