Do you have an interest in urban farming? If so, this program may be for you. See press release below, and contact me at drichards@ag.tamu.edu if you have any questions. The full agenda is posted on the registration website at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu, keyword "urban."
Three program sessions for people interested in producing
agricultural crops on small-acreage sites will be held during Oct. and Nov. at
the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Travis County.
The office is located at 1600-B Smith Road in southeast Austin.
“This program is being offered in three parts and will be helpful for both
home and small-plot producers, including producers who grow for farmers markets
or are involved in sustainable foods efforts or community gardens,” said Daphne
Richards, AgriLife Extension agent for horticulture in Travis County.
Program sessions will be from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct. 25, Nov. 11 and Nov.
18 at 1600-B Smith Rd.
The program will cover vegetable and greenhouse crop production, as well as
how to plan, manage and find resources and possible funding to help support a
small-scale farming operation, Richards said. There is also a field tour of a
local urban farm.
The Oct. 25 session will address planning a small-scale farming operation
and include a presentation and field tour at certified organic Green Gate
Farms. The Nov. 1 session will cover vegetable production, recommended fruit
crops, insect and disease management and permaculture basics. The Nov. 8
session will focus on programs and resources available to the small-acreage
farmer, plus provide information on zoning, soil surveys, organic certification
and grant writing.
Instruction will be given by AgriLife Extension personnel and
representatives of other agencies, including the Texas Department of
agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources
Conservation Service.
“This three-part program is particularly relevant, given the growing public
interest in small-scale local food production and home-based backyard farming,”
Richards said.
Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units in the general
and integrated pest management categories will be available for pesticide
licensees attending the sessions.
The cost is $50 per session or $100 for all three. To register, go to the
AgriLife Extension Conference Services website and search for keyword "urban."