Exploring the Small Farm Dream

"Is starting an agricultural business right for me?"

Exploring the Small Farm Dream Goes Urban!

NSAC is pleased to offer this exciting opportunity in Halifax in
March and April 2012

Have you ever considered launching a small farm business, but are unsure of where to start?  Then this course is for you! For career changers looking for a new start, for farm apprentices considering a startup, or a hobby that has the potential to become profitable, Exploring the Small Farm Dream is intended to bridge the gap between ideas and action.

The goal of Exploring the Small Farm Dream is to help aspiring farmers learn what is required to start and manage their own profitable agricultural business, and will aid in the decision for whether or not this is the path they want or can take.  Participants of this program will discuss current business opportunities in agriculture. A facilitator will guide you through 4 interactive sessions featuring panel discussions with existing farmers, guest speakers, government and industry representatives.

What to Expect

Self-assessment, research and class discussion, which are central to the course connection with others interested in farming.

Facilitated exploration of the information you need to develop a successful farming plan through the use of four interactive sessions:

Session 1: Is Starting an Agricultural Business Right For You?

Session 2: Research the Landscape

Session 3: Assess Your Resources

Session 4: Decision Making and Planning

It is important to note that this course will not teach you how to farm. Through facilitated independent study, aspiring farmers take the opportunity to explore their farm business ideas and clarify next steps.

Background

Exploring the Small Farm Dream program was developed by the New England Small Farm Institute, Massachusetts (http://www.smallfarm.org/). In the fall of 2007, Continuing Education in cooperation with the NS Department of Agriculture, investigated using Explorer as a learning tool to help people identify if owning and running a small farm business was suitable for them.

Who Should Attend?

This course is open to anyone considering starting an agricultural venture.

Meet Your Facilitators

Roxanne Beavers works as an advisor to new organic farmers for the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN). Together with her husband, she ran a market garden (Salad Bowl Gardens) for 6 years, selling salad mix and heirloom vegetables at the Truro Farmers Market and through a 25-member CSA. She is also a trained organic farm and fair trade inspector.

Tracy Kittilsen coordinates agricultural skills training at NSAC.  She has also been involved in non-profit and rural community development activities for the past 15 years. Her facilitation experience includes workshops and programs for youth, older workers, unemployed persons and others both in and out of agriculture.  Tracy grew up on a mixed farm and continues that tradition with her husband and children.

Course Details

Note: A minimum number of students is required for each course. The “decision deadline” is the date on which courses with insufficient enrollment will be cancelled.

Thanks to ThinkFARM for contribution to this program



www.gov.ns.ca/agri/thinkfarm