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| Agency Spotlight |
| "I think that the course was so enjoyable, that no one at this point would decide against farming. I would guess that maybe 50% of the people will start an ag business. The goal setting part was excellent and made me personally understand all the things that need to be considered in starting a business. I think that people's interest was definitely stimulated." |
Exploring
the Possibilities & Realities
of Starting an Ag-Based Business
Growing Places was developed to assist individuals in exploring the idea of starting a farm or other ag-related enterprise.
| "I never realized how much support and how many resources are available for people starting an agricultural business. I'm really excited that these opportunities are available." |
The field of agriculture is a complex, emotionally charged, multi-dimensional area. Agriculture involves an array of diverse issues, such as human treatment of animals, watershed protection, and consumer concern for the safety of our food supply. Agriculture integrates academic fields as well -- agronomy, animal science, horticulture, nutrition, hydrology, and resource economics. In today's competitive market, business owners must be savvy marketers, steadfast and thorough business planners, efficient with time and resources, and have the ability to identify niche markets.
Every
decision that you make regarding your business comes with an accompanying
group of consequences and another set of decisions to be made. It can
be a confusing and oftentimes intimidating place for newcomers. Growing
Places attempts to alleviate this and leave participants with an increased
level of confidence and clarity regarding their business idea/plan, and
a better understanding of the steps necessary to insure success.
Growing
Places is organized into six different sessions, each addressing a different
aspect of business development. In addition to WAgN staff, each session
pulls in experts in that particular area to lead the lecture, discussion,
and hands-on exercises that make up the course format. Guest speakers
and panelists are an important component, and by sharing their experiences
with the group, offer a much appreciated realistic perspective.
Since our first Growing Places in 1995, there have been 12 cycles and 158 graduates.
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"A wonderful
program. All staff members and guest speakers are so enthusiastic.
Hard not to get bit by the ag-bug!"
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Click here to see an outline of the Growing Places curriculum.
Growing
Places is doing some growing of its own!
Click here for more information!
If you are interested in finding out more about Growing Places, please contact our office.
WAgN
Women's Agricultural Network
617 Comstock Rd., Suite 5
Berlin, VT 05602
(802) 223-2389
or wagn@zoo.uvm.edu
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University of Vermont Extension and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, notional orgin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status. |