 “A Call to Farms” is a 2!-W-day intensive crop production workshop Aug. 19-21 in Elkins Park, Pa., which will include farm tours and hands-on instruction in small-scale intensive fruit, vegetable and cut-flower operations, as well as presentations on sustainable soil management, intensive crop production techniques, farm planning and marketing. “A Call to Farms” is sponsored by the FVC — a nonprofit organization that assists veterans with employment, training and placement on America’s farms — and the USDA’s Risk Management Agency. It is free for both veterans and active-duty military personnel. Preference for the limited workshop enrollment will be given to veterans who have demonstrated a serious interest in farming, and to post-9/11 veterans near the beginning of their careers. NCAT, a national nonprofit with a regional office in Pennsylvania, with the support of the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA), is coordinating the event. Meals will feature local products from many of the farms that are visited. Space is limited to 24 veterans and their families. To apply, contact Chris Ritthaler at the Farmer Veteran Coalition at 530-756-1395 or by email at chris@farmvetco.org. |