Calendar of Events

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

• Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning

• Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers

• One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership

• Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan

• Access to Field Days with regional partners

• Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference

• Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference

• 15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

• Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning

• Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers

• One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership

• Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan

• Access to Field Days with regional partners

• Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference

• Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference

• 15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

• Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning

• Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers

• One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership

• Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan

• Access to Field Days with regional partners

• Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference

• Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference

• 15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

• Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning

• Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers

• One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership

• Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan

• Access to Field Days with regional partners

• Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference

• Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference

• 15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

We all love a beautiful patio pot, a garden creation. But seasons change, plants grow old, and our pots need rejuvenation. . Join Laura Carter, co-owner of Thyme in the Garden, who will show us how to extend the life of our planted pots and how to transition them from summer into fall and beyond. Laura will guide us with design tips, plant selection, and practical planting advice to extend the season and make the most of those small garden spaces.

The presentation is free, and registration is required.

Free to the public after Arboretum entrance fee of $20 (free for Arboretum Members)

September 23,  Saturday,  9 am– 5 pm

September 24,  Sunday,     9 am– 4 pm

Ikebana International, Asheville Chapter 74, is hosting an ikebana exhibition September 23-24 at the NC Arboretum.    There will be ikebana designs for viewing throughout the weekend and members will be available to explain  ikebana flower arranging techniques and materials.   The exhibition will feature ikebana designs from the four main schools.   There will be table-top designs, pedestal designs and floor/installation designs to show a full range of how ikebana can be displayed.   

Free to the public after Arboretum entrance fee of $20 (free for Arboretum Members)

September 23,  Saturday,  9 am– 5 pm

September 24,  Sunday,     9 am– 4 pm

Ikebana International, Asheville Chapter 74, is hosting an ikebana exhibition September 23-24 at the NC Arboretum.    There will be ikebana designs for viewing throughout the weekend and members will be available to explain  ikebana flower arranging techniques and materials.   The exhibition will feature ikebana designs from the four main schools.   There will be table-top designs, pedestal designs and floor/installation designs to show a full range of how ikebana can be displayed.   

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

• Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning

• Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers

• One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership

• Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan

• Access to Field Days with regional partners

• Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference

• Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference

• 15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

• Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning

• Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers

• One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership

• Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan

• Access to Field Days with regional partners

• Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference

• Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference

• 15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

• Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning

• Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers

• One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership

• Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan

• Access to Field Days with regional partners

• Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference

• Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference

• 15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more.

Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses.

Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.

We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models.

The 200+ hr, year-long program consists of:

• Training on holistic management, farm business, marketing & financial planning

• Sessions taught by regional, experienced Farmers

• One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network Membership

• Completing and presenting an individualized farm plan

• Access to Field Days with regional partners

• Entry to ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference

• Entry to OGS’s Spring Conference

• 15 hr mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor

View a sample of the full course schedule here.

Join the Community Reparations Commission, the City of Asheville, Buncombe County Government, and UNC Asheville’s Department of Education and Africana Studies program for a Community Reparations Summit.

Monday, October 2nd: Screening of Black in Asheville, followed by a Q&A with the Filmmaker, Todd Gragg. Hosted at the Mullen & James Humanities Hall, UNC Asheville from 5:00 – 8:30 pm. Locally black-owned food trucks will be available to attendees from 5:00-6:15 pm. Not all food trucks accept card payments, so please remember to bring some cash if you’re interested in food at this event. Doors open at 5:45 pm. Parking is available at no charge.

Thursday, October 5th: Screening of The Big Payback. Hosted at the Mullen & James Humanities Hall, UNC Asheville from 5:00 – 8:15 pm. Locally black-owned food trucks will be available to attendees from 5:00-6:15 pm. Not all food trucks accept card payments, so please remember to bring some cash if you’re interested in food at this event. Doors open at 5:45 pm. Parking is available at no charge.

Saturday, October 7th: The Community Reparations Summit program features attorney George Fatheree who helped return Bruce’s Beach, a property in Manhattan Beach (California), to the Black family who owned and lost it in the 1920s. Summit attendees will hear updates from the Community Reparations Commission’s Impact Focus Areas and in turn, provide feedback on their proposed recommendations. Attendance is limited, and registration is required. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to attendees, and parking is available at no charge. The Summit will be hosted at the Sherrill Center and Kimmel Arena, UNC Asheville Campus from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Doors open at 9:00 am.

Join the Community Reparations Commission, the City of Asheville, Buncombe County Government, and UNC Asheville’s Department of Education and Africana Studies program for a Community Reparations Summit.

Monday, October 2nd: Screening of Black in Asheville, followed by a Q&A with the Filmmaker, Todd Gragg. Hosted at the Mullen & James Humanities Hall, UNC Asheville from 5:00 – 8:30 pm. Locally black-owned food trucks will be available to attendees from 5:00-6:15 pm. Not all food trucks accept card payments, so please remember to bring some cash if you’re interested in food at this event. Doors open at 5:45 pm. Parking is available at no charge.

Thursday, October 5th: Screening of The Big Payback. Hosted at the Mullen & James Humanities Hall, UNC Asheville from 5:00 – 8:15 pm. Locally black-owned food trucks will be available to attendees from 5:00-6:15 pm. Not all food trucks accept card payments, so please remember to bring some cash if you’re interested in food at this event. Doors open at 5:45 pm. Parking is available at no charge.

Saturday, October 7th: The Community Reparations Summit program features attorney George Fatheree who helped return Bruce’s Beach, a property in Manhattan Beach (California), to the Black family who owned and lost it in the 1920s. Summit attendees will hear updates from the Community Reparations Commission’s Impact Focus Areas and in turn, provide feedback on their proposed recommendations. Attendance is limited, and registration is required. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to attendees, and parking is available at no charge. The Summit will be hosted at the Sherrill Center and Kimmel Arena, UNC Asheville Campus from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Doors open at 9:00 am.

The International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4), the world’s leading fly-fishing film event, is a curated collection of stories showcasing the pursuit of wild spaces and peaceful places where fish seem most willing, the water appears in its purest form and our community connects. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Trout Unlimited

Support Asheville GreenWorks’ Urban Forestry program by planting a native Paw Paw grown in our nursery to celebrate the release of The Hop’s Paw Paw ice cream.

You’ll need a mate to pollinate! – If you don’t have a Paw Paw already planted at your home, you may want to consider purchasing 2 from us. We will choose two different genetic strains, which is needed for cross-pollination to produce fruit. Paw Paws are self-infertile, so for good fruit set, each variety must be fertilized with pollen from a different variety of Paw Paw tree.

Paw Paws are also the host plant for Zebra Swallowtail butterflies. Learn more about Paw Paws.

Paw Paw’s can be picked up on either:

• (Paw Paw Ice Cream release day!) Friday October 6th, 3-6pm at The Hop Merrimon – 640 Merrimon Ave #103, Asheville, NC 28804

• Tuesday October 10th, 10am-1pm at the Sand Hill Nursery at the Buncombe County Sports Park 24 Apac Circle, Asheville, NC 28804 (first parking lot on the left past the dog park)

Please note, seedlings vary in size and will be in either 1 or 3 gallon pots.

Support Asheville GreenWorks’ Urban Forestry program by planting a native Paw Paw grown in our nursery to celebrate the release of The Hop’s Paw Paw ice cream.

You’ll need a mate to pollinate! – If you don’t have a Paw Paw already planted at your home, you may want to consider purchasing 2 from us. We will choose two different genetic strains, which is needed for cross-pollination to produce fruit. Paw Paws are self-infertile, so for good fruit set, each variety must be fertilized with pollen from a different variety of Paw Paw tree.

Paw Paws are also the host plant for Zebra Swallowtail butterflies. Learn more about Paw Paws.

Paw Paw’s can be picked up on either:

• (Paw Paw Ice Cream release day!) Friday October 6th, 3-6pm at The Hop Merrimon – 640 Merrimon Ave #103, Asheville, NC 28804

• Tuesday October 10th, 10am-1pm at the Sand Hill Nursery at the Buncombe County Sports Park 24 Apac Circle, Asheville, NC 28804 (first parking lot on the left past the dog park)

Please note, seedlings vary in size and will be in either 1 or 3 gallon pots.