Intermediate Resources
Hands-on experience and market readiness training based on your skills and goals.
Resources
We address workforce and economic development, food insecurity, and community building and health through six strategies: education, increasing local food production, developing markets, increasing distribution of local agriculture products, engaging strategic partners, and researching/consulting and advising. We are passionate about ensuring that rural communities can become viable once again and we feel that agriculture strategies can play a key role.
Agroforestry
If you’re ready to start implementing agroforestry practices, like forest farming, alley cropping and silvopasture, check out our agroforestry on-farm technical and financial assistance today! Funding is dependent on grant availability. There is a $50 fee for on-site visits.
Contact the Program Managers
ROBIN SUGGS
Procurement Coordinator
STESHA WARREN
Agroforester
EMILIE TWEARDY
Agroforester
Resources
Our website has a wealth of Agroforestry information on our resources page.
Farmer and Rancher Mentoring
The Farmer and Rancher Mentoring program is a hands-on learning opportunity designed for beginning farmers to work with experienced mentor farmers to achieve the mentee’s specific learning goals in 200 hours or more.
On Farm Internships
200 Hours of Hands-On Learning
Beginning farmer interns will work closely with their mentors on-farm for a minimum of 200 hours. Interns and Mentors are required to log their time.
Building Relationships in the Farming Community
Participants have expressed interest in building relationships with others, believing that a strong network will increase their success while enabling them to work together to access infrastructure and services they need.
Individualized Learning Goals
Mentors and Interns will work together to develop their individualized learning goals designed to guide lessons learned on the farm. These written goals will guide them through the growing season and likely change over time
Contact the Program Managers
MICHAEL KLARMAN
Producer Pathway Manager
JENNI ROOP
Director of Agriculture Education
Blogs from the FARM
If you’re interested in participating in the FARM program, but want an idea of what to expect, click the button below to read some intern submitted blogs!
GAP/FSMA Food Safety Training
This covers the basic standards that should be followed when growing/handling produce. This standard is designed to help minimize risk of contamination and to put a traceability system in place. GAP also covers worker training, record keep, cleanliness of the harvest tools, and packing sheds.
Training Dates, Contact Information and Resources
Trainings will be held January – May 2023. Click “Appalachian Harvest” below to stay in the loop on the upcoming schedule or click the button to contact the Appalachian General Manager, Robin Robbins.
To learn more about the course, follow this link.
Organic Training
Our organic training covers basic guidelines for growing produce organically. This also includes record keeping seed sourcing, and common practices to fight weeds, diseases and pests.
Training Dates, Contact Information and Resources
Training dates are currently to be determined. Click “Appalachian Harvest” below to stay in the loop on the upcoming schedule or click the button to contact the Appalachian General Manager, Robin Robbins.
To learn more about organic certification, follow this link.
Winter Business Intensive
The Winter Business Intensive is the second session of the Southwest Virginia Field School and is held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, November through February. During the 8 intensive classes, students will participate in lessons such as business planning, implementing sustainable practices, financial management, marketing, and more.
2022 – 2023 Agenda
The 2022 session is in progress. Click here to see the current agenda as it will change only minimally each year.
Contact the Program Managers
MICHAEL KLARMAN
Producer Pathway Manager
JENNI ROOP
Director of Agriculture Education
Workforce Development
Agricultural-based, paid, on-the-job training for 3, 5, or 6 months with a focus on transferable skills. Learn the basics of growing, harvesting, and marketing in the Bristol, VA program. Or you can opt for the food aggregation and distribution program in Duffield, VA. Both programs provide training on essential skills like teamwork and problem solving, as well as personal development support in financial literacy, career development, and more.
Program Information and Applications
For more information on the program and to submit an application, click here.
Contact the Program Manager
HANNAH GIBBS
Workforce Development Program Manager
Farmer PRIDE Coalition
For farmers, growers, gardeners, and agroforesters of all experience levels who identify as LGBTQ+, the Farmer PRIDE Coalition provides specialized programming, education, and networking opportunities in conjunction with ASD’s other programs.
Coalition Information & Application
For more information about the Coalition or to register to participate, click the buttons below.
Contact the Program Manager
HANNAH GIBBS
Workforce Development Program Manager
On This Page