The Central Appalachian Food and Agricultural Systems Working Group (FASWG) Beginning Farmer is a gathering of individuals working to support the next generation of farmers. This group includes employees of agriculture or community development organizations, researchers and students, and other food system advocates. Our virtual gatherings are open to anyone interested in strategizing around how to move Central Appalachia towards our North Star Goals:
- Producers have robust land access across the region that allows Central Appalachia to feed Central Appalachians.
- Producers have the support, tools, and capital necessary to establish and sustain their farms.
- Farming is equitable and profitable because the risk and reward of farming is balanced.
STRUCTURE
Similar to other CAN working groups, we meet monthly to strategize, collaborate on regional projects, share resources, and learn from one another. Working groups have four functions:
- Think tanks focused on understanding and analyzing local and regional needs, economic trends, and gaps in sector capacity and infrastructure
- Strategy development hubs that build sector capacity and connectivity in key sectors
- Clearinghouses for resources and technical assistance
- Peer-learning spaces that develop organizational and leadership capacity for community economic development efforts
WHO SHOULD JOIN
We have an open invitation to all who are invested in beginning farmers to join the conversation. We ask that all participants follow our Community Agreements.
MEETING DETAILS
This Working Group meets every third Thursday of the month at 10 am EST. Contact CAN to join the meeting.
CO-CHAIRS
- Molly Sowash, Sustainable Agriculture Manager, Rural Action
- Sophia L. Buggs, known as Lady Buggs, owner and operator of Lady Buggs Pharm
WORKING GROUP PRODUCTS
Beginning Farmer Programs By State – Across central Appalachia, programs are available to beginning and early-career farmers to help them achieve their goal of creating a sustainable farm business. These programs can help beginning farmers develop skills and knowledge to create whole farm business plans, financial management, and more.
Green Edge Workshop participants learn about high tunnel farming techniques. Photo by Rural Action.
PARTICIPANTS
Kentucky
- Community Farm Alliance
- Grow Appalachia
- Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development
- University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service
North Carolina
- Organic Growers School
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical (A&T) State University
- Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
Ohio
- Appalachian Center for Economic Networks
- Lady Buggs Farm
- Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
- Solid Ground Farm
- Rural Action
Tennessee
Virginia
Washington DC
West Virginia
Meet the Participants
Blog Posts
Regional Food Business Center Grant Invests in Appalachia with Funding for Food and Farm Businesses
The US government’s largest single investment in the Appalachian food system just hit our region. The U.S. Department of Agriculture […]
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Connect with Producers in Central Appalachia
FASWG Processing, Aggregation, and Distribution (PAD) members have launched a Facebook group to connect producers of all skill levels and […]
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A Fair Food System: Summit 6 Recap
Summit Five March 23, 2023 9:00AM–1:00PM EST Day Six Recording: https://youtu.be/fi5W6vPUm6Q Slides: CAN Summit 6 Slides Links & Additional Resources: […]
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