The April freeze left many WNC farmers facing brown blossoms and bleak prospects for the 2007 growing season. Some financial assistance may come from state or federal disaster funds, but such assistance often falls short. To help close the gap, the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, N.C. State University and the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service are offering free advice on freeze recovery through production of alternative crops.
An informational meeting has been scheduled this week to provide growers with information on saving existing crops and about alternative crop options based on economics, market options and the needs of those markets. Food will be provided courtesy of Ingles Grocery.
Speakers will include: Jeanine Davis, N.C. State University Specialty Crops Program; Diane Ducharme, N.C Cooperative Extension Service; and Charlie Jackson, director of ASAP. Representatives from area market outlets have also been invited.
The event will be held at he Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center (455 Research Drive in Fletcher) on Thursday, April 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. For more info, contact Diane Ducharme at 697-4891
Directions to the center are here.
— Cecil Bothwell, staff writer
