Friday, September 16, 2011

Growers' school offered by distance delivery

The Advanced Alaska Growers School is accepting registration from master gardeners and others with at least two years of gardening or farming experience.

The free course, which is sponsored by the UAF Cooperative Extension Service, begins Sept. 21. It will be offered through four distance-delivery methods, including self-paced options.

Instructor Donavan Kienenberger said the 12-week course is the next step for anyone who wants to pursue farming, ranching or starting a small business to sell Alaska-grown products. The course will introduce participants to sustainable farming practices, raising bees, chickens and livestock, as well as marketing and other aspects of running a business.

Kienenberger said the course is open to everyone, however, Alaska Natives or people living in villages will be given priority if more people sign up than space is available. The course is offered through a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.

Project director Heidi Rader, tribes Extension educator for the Tanana Chiefs Conference region, said the course will help Alaska Native people in remote communities grow food to complement traditional subsistence activities.

Those who are interested in the course are asked to complete a survey and pre-quiz.

Beginner and advanced versions of the course will be offered again next year. For more information, call Kienenberger at 9097-452-8251, ext. 3447.

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