Growers wanted: Rutherfordton is feeling you, Mr. Farmer. The town’s new farmers’ market will run Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning May 17 through the end of September. Interested growers looking for a place to sell their fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, preserves and homemade baked goods are encouraged to call Ruth Colnot at 287-2071 and secure a space.
How you like them apples?: Reems Creek Nursery in Weaverville will host a free workshop on fruit in the home landscape this Saturday, April 5. Titled “Home Orchards with a Permaculture Twist,” the talk by Andrew Goodheart Brown will cover edible landscape designs, site and variety selection, care for newly established fruit trees, and ecologically-friendly growing techniques. The event begins at 2 p.m. It’s free, but registration is required. Call 645-2927. Reems Creek Nursery is located at 70 Monticello Road.
Venture capital: The Western North Carolina Agricultural Options Program awarded grants last month totaling $7,500 to 37 area farmers who are diversifying or expanding their operations. The funds are giving farmers the opportunity to try new ventures as diverse as winter crops, pasture-finished livestock, sorghum pressing and wine-grape production. “The goal of this program is to help farming in Western North Carolina grow and thrive as a profitable, ecological, and market-driven industry, particularly as tobacco farmers are exploring other income opportunities,” said Kenneth Reeves, Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Director. “Ensuring the economic sustainability of farms is one of the best ways to preserve farms and the rural nature of our region.” To learn more, contact WNC AgOptions Coordinator Megan Riley at 250-4867.
