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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: 1-14-08
CONTACT: ARNO BERGSTROM
PHONE: 360-337-7225
Sustainable
Farming Business Course is being offered in Bainbridge Island and Port
Orchard, WA.
Starting
February 6th in Port Orchard and February 7th in Bainbridge Island, WSU
Kitsap County Extension will be offering its popular course on starting and
sustaining a profitable small farm or agricultural enterprise. Area farmers
and community members are invited to sign up for this intensive, hands-on
learning opportunity. The course features a full line-up of local guest
speakers: bankers, accountants, attorneys, and successful farm owners.
Participants will gain skills in business planning, direct marketing and
record-keeping. They’ll also receive information on federal and state
programs targeted to the needs of small producers, including resources to
improve risk management and conservation practices.
The course
is designed for both beginning farmers as well as current growers who are
looking to take their farm in a new direction. The course is offered by the
Cultivating Success Program, a collaboration of WSU's Small Farms Program,
the University of Idaho and the non-profit organization Rural Roots. Guest
lecturers for the courses are regional growers who are models of sustainable
agriculture in their farming and marketing practices.
Students
will complete the course having developed a business plan they can take to
the bank to finance their new enterprise or use as a roadmap for their farm
business.
The cost of
the course is only $225 including materials. The cost to community members
has been reduced due to a Risk Management Agency grant. Continuing
Education Units are available and college credits are available at a higher
cost.
The course
will be held Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Bob Oke
Community Center at Long Lake County Park, Campus and on Thursday evening
from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Bainbridge Island Winery on East Day Bainbridge
Island, WA.
To sign up
for the course contact Arno Bergstrom at 360-337-7225 or
awbergstrom@wsu.edu.
For
information and to register visit http://kitsap.wsu.edu/ag/sustainable_farming.htm.
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