Friday, September 23, 2011

Urban Farming Seminar Series: Farming Fundamentals--Join the Local Food Movement

Do you have a small acreage area that you would like to turn into a mini-farm? Are you interested in joining the local food movement by growing and selling crops at local farmer's markets? Do you have questions about the business aspects of farming? If so, this urban farming seminar series is for you. Whether you are just starting out or have already started your small farming business, there is something for everyone in this series.

Topics discussed will include:
planning your small-scale farming operation
the economics of small acreage production
basic considerations of both vegetable and fruit production
dealing with soil issues
plant diseases
the process of organic certification

All programs will be presented by Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialists and representatives of other state agencies, including: the Texas Dept of Agriculture and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

This series will be helpful for home and small-plot producers, including those who grow to sell at farmers markets, are involved in sustainable foods efforts or are interested in community gardens and other small-yield production. It is particularly relevant and timely given the growing public interest in food production on small-acreage sites.

The Oct. 12 program will address plant pathology, the economics of small-acreage production, vegetable production and product marketing.

The Oct. 19 program will address the Texas Environmental Quality Incentives Program, organic certification, and soils.

The Oct. 26 program will address planning a small–scale farming operation and will include an overview of fruit crops and community resources available to small-scale producers.

The cost for all three programs in the series is $125 and lunch is provided during each program.

All registration must be done through the Texas AgriLife Extension Conference Services and space is limited to 25, so attendees are encouraged to register as soon as possible.

WHEN: October 12, 19, and 26 (Wednesdays)
TIME: 8 AM to 5 PM
WHERE : Texas AgriLife Extension service office, 1600 B Smith Rd, Austin
COST: $125 (entire series)
Lunch is included all three days.

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