Missouri Ag Connection - Growing Growers Program Recruits Applicants for Class

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Growing Growers Program Recruits Applicants for Class
Missouri Ag Connection - 03/08/2007

There's still time to sign up for a mentoring program designed to increase the number of growers of fruit, vegetable and other specialty food products.

The Growing Growers Program, which includes educational workshops as well as on-farm apprenticeships, is targeting potential producers in west-central Missouri and east-central Kansas.

Deadline to apply for the program is March 31.

This is the first year the Growing Growers program includes room for part-time apprentices, said Mary Hendrickson, an assistant professor of rural sociology with University of Missouri Extension and a Growing Growers board member. This will give people the opportunity to attend educational seminars and workshops without giving up their full-time jobs, she said.

There will be a 2007 class for participants in the full-time Growing Growers apprentice program.

Crystal Weber, an MU Extension community development specialist in Jackson County, said the workshops would have a wide appeal.

"Existing farmers or those looking for a different form of production method or a new opportunity in sustainable agriculture are encouraged to get involved," she said. "The sessions also might interest students looking to expand their knowledge of agriculture or seeking agricultural opportunities outside the realm of traditional agriculture and farming."

Hendrickson said participants will pay for the workshops and seminars they attend. Upon completion of the program's workshops and after submitting a business plan incorporating what they have learned from the Growing Growers program, participants will be reimbursed $338 for their participation.

Workshop topics will include soil building for vegetable and fruit crops; business management for small farms; starting a new farm and community supported agriculture program; and learning how to use organic and natural procedures to control pests, diseases and weeds. Workshops take place at the K-State Research and Extension Farm in Olathe, Kan., and at farms and agri-businesses in and around the Kansas City metro area. A link to workshop descriptions can be found at http://www.growinggrowers.org/workshop.htm.

The Growing Growers Training Program is made possible through the cooperation of the MU Extension, K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas Rural Center and the Kansas City Food Circle as well as grants from the North Central Risk Management Education Center and the North Central Sustainable Agriculture, Research and Education Center.

To receive an application contact Hendrickson at 573-882-7463 or Crystal Weber at 816-377-2161.