Calendar
- WCCNM Full Board Meeting
02-27-12 (1:30 pm) - WCCNM Executive Committee Meeting
03-01-12 (8:00 am) - Public Involvement Committee Meeting
03-01-12 (5:30 pm) - Transportation Coordinating Committee Meeting
03-02-12 (1:30 pm) - MRCOG Executive Board Meeting
03-08-12 (2:00 pm)
| 2012 Growing Local Workshop & Event Series |
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These FREE workshops and events are available to anyone who would like to attend, but participants must register ahead of time. Participation is limited to twenty, but if there is sufficient demand, a second session of the workshop will be scheduled to accommodate the interest. TO REGISTER FOR WORKSHOPS: Use the links below after each workshop title, or visit www.abqmarkets.org, select “Vendor Resources” from the drop-down menu, and then select “Workshops” to find the event you would like to attend TO DOWNLOAD OUR FLYER, USE THIS LINK: 2012_Growing_Local_Workshops_Flyer.pdf PARTNERS: LIST OF WORKSHOPSFinancial Success and Business Sustainability for Small Market FarmsWhen: January 25, 26, and 27 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Who: Small market farmers Where: Bernalillo County Extension Offices (1510 Menaul Ext BLVD NW)
How Much: Free (Participants must register for the course. Class size limited to 15)
What: NMSU Bernalillo County Extension Service, in collaboration with Albuquerque Growers Market Alliance, will host the course “Financial Success and Business Sustainability for Small Market Farms.” This free course will focus on the nuts and bolts of developing a business plan for a small market farm. The course begins with a discussion of possible business models for your farm, and then gives direction on where and how to file the appropriate paperwork to register the business, once you’ve decided how it will be structured. Over the three days, extension agent Garlisch covers developing good bookkeeping practices, tax forms for agriculture, market research and marketing, financial and human resource planning, exit strategies, and more. By the end of the course, if you do your homework, you should have a working business plan to approach possible funding sources, property owners, or investors to help you start or expand your farm. This course is great for new farmers or established farmers looking to revise or update their business plan. The course will happen over three days, with two hours of class each day.REGISTER HERE: http://www.abqmarkets.org/vendor-resources/sample-page/financial-success-and-business-sustainability-for-small-market-farms/ Get Caught Up On the Co-op: A Tour of the New Distribution Facility & Info SessionWhen: February 8th, 9:00-10:30am
Who: Open to the public
Where: La Montanita Cooperative Distribution Center, 901 Menaul Boulevard NE, 87107
How Much: FREE (No registration or RSVP is required)What: The La Montanita Co-op continues to expand and has recently moved in to a new Cooperative Distribution Center (CDC). Join us for a tour of the new facility with Michelle Franklin, the Co-op Distribution Center Manager. It’s a fun way to get a peek inside how food is moved from places near and far to the shelves of their stores and other local businesses. Whether you’re a grower looking for information about storage opportunities, a value added producer wanting insight about how to get your product on store shelves, or simply a curious consumer, your questions are welcome. Robin Seydel, Membership Coordinator, is also going to talk about the La Montanita Fund, a loan program for local farmers, ranchers and food producers. Co-op members can also invest in the Fund to help strengthen the loan program, and in turn our local economy. Mapping & Mining the Field: Crop Budgeting/Metrics/PlanningWhen: February 8th, 4:00-6:00pm
Who: Open to the public
Where: Bernalillo County Extension Offices (1510 Menaul Ext BLVD NW)
How Much: Free (Participants must register for the course. Class size limited to 20) What: OMG! APS wants 50 lbs of lettuce by when? Do they not know my crop is not ready?! Well, you the farmer just lost a customer and money. Learn how to budget your time and plan your crops in order to fulfill your orders and capitalize on profitability. The attendee will work on a Garden Calendar how to plan the year in order to fulfill orders and learn how much in advance the farmer needs to plan, order, plant, etc… The attendee will create time tables and to do list throughout the growing season and plan the garden for maximum harvest and productivity. REGISTER HERE: http://www.abqmarkets.org/vendor-resources/sample-page/mapping-mining-the-field-crop-budgeting-metrics-planning/ Seed Money: Getting your Small Farm FinancedWhen: Wed, February 15th. 4:00-600pm
Who: Anyone interested in unconventional financing for small farm operations
Where: Bernalillo County Extension Offices (1510 Menaul Ext BLVD NW)
How Much: Free (Participants must register for the course. Class size limited to 20) What: Learn about different opportunities to fund starting or expanding your farm. Robin Sydel from La Montanita Coop will give a detailed explanation of their new Loan Fund, and how to apply. Tanya Laveta from Farm to Table will speak on the pros and cons of different types of loans and grants available to farmers, and which type of assistance might best suit your project. A representative from the South Valley Economic Development Center will present on business development services they offer to farmers. REGISTER HERE: http://www.abqmarkets.org/vendor-resources/sample-page/seed-money-getting-your-small-farm-financed/ Beyond the Growers Market: How to Sell to Other MarketsWhen: Wed, February 29th, 4:00-6:00pm
Who: Open to the public
Where: Bernalillo County Extension Offices (1510 Menaul Ext BLVD NW)
How Much: Free (Participants must register for the course. Class size limited to 20)
What: This workshop will help growers begin to navigate sales to wholesale buyers like restaurants, grocery stores, and institutions. A panel of growers and buyers will discuss the logistics of these different types of buyers, how growers should plan for these types of sales, and what buyer and seller expectations should be in different wholesale situations. Issues of permitting and insurance as it relates to different types of sales will also be covered. Speakers TBA.REGISTER HERE: http://www.abqmarkets.org/vendor-resources/sample-page/beyond-the-growers-market-how-to-sell-to-other-markets/ Digging In: How to Find Land to Grow OnWhen: Wed, March 7th, 4:00-6:00pm
Who: LandLink Land Seekers; Anyone seeking farmland
Where: Bernalillo County Extension Offices (1510 Menaul Ext BLVD NW)
How Much: Free (Participants must register for the course. Class size limited to 20)
What: Are you an aspiring grower looking to start your first farm? A community gardener ready to scale up? Or perhaps an experienced producer looking for to expand your operation? Jump start your search by learning about different strategies for finding and using farmland, the building blocks that make up a good farmland-use agreement, and considerations for maintaining good relationships with landowners. Workshop attendees will hear from Central New Mexico LandLink staff and a local attorney, as well as individuals with experience leasing farmland.
REGISTER HERE: http://www.abqmarkets.org/vendor-resources/sample-page/digging-in-how-to-find-land-to-grow-on/
Land Use & Water RegulationsWhen: Wed, March 14th, 4:00-6:00pm
Who: Open to the public Where: Bernalillo County Extension Offices (1510 Menaul Ext BLVD NW) How Much: Free (Participants must register for the course. Class size limited to 20) What: This workshop will be presented by a panel of city and county officials familiar with city and county zoning, acequia use, and ag well permitting. They will speak on common issues and hurdles individuals need to be aware of when purchasing, leasing, or converting land for agricultural use. Speakers: David Gensler (Water Hydrologist, MRGCD), Mari Simbana (East Mountain Area Planner, Bernalillo County), Dory Wegrzyn (Housing Development Director, Supportive Housing Coalition of NM & Red Tractor Farm), Enrico Engradi (South Valley Area Planner, Bernalillo County) REGISTER HERE: http://www.abqmarkets.org/vendor-resources/sample-page/land-and-water-use-for-agriculture/
From Barren to Bountiful: Finding A Farmer & Putting Your Land Into ProductionWhen: Wed, March 21st, 4:00-6:00pm
Who: LandLink Landowners;
Where: Bernalillo County Extension Offices (1510 Menaul Ext BLVD NW)
How Much: Free (Participants must register for the course. Class size limited to 20) What: Have you ever wanted to have someone farm your land but not known where to start? From leasing and other land-use arrangements to legalities and liability, tax benefits to conservation easements, this workshop will cover the basics of arranging for someone to farm your land, whether it be one acre or 50. This workshop will also cover strategies for communicating and working specifically with local farmers. Speakers will include Central New Mexico LandLink staff, a local attorney, and individuals with experience leasing farmland. REGISTER HERE: http://www.abqmarkets.org/vendor-resources/sample-page/from-barren-to-bountiful-finding-a-farmer-putting-your-land-into-production/ Making a Stand: Selling at the Growers MarketWhen: Wed, March 28th, 4:00-6:00pm
Who: Growers interested in selling at growers markets
Where: Bernalillo County Extension Offices (1510 Menaul Ext BLVD NW)
How Much: Free (Participants must register for the course. Class size limited to 20) What: Market managers from several Albuquerque Growers Markets, as well as produce vendors from these markets will present on best practices for market set up, including how to organize your stand to maximize sales and to develop a return customer base. REGISTER HERE: http://www.abqmarkets.org/vendor-resources/sample-page/making-a-stand-selling-at-the-growers-market/ Growing Local Mixer Series: Land Seeker/Landholder MixerWhen: Wed, April 4th, 4:00-7:00pm
Who: Individuals who are land holders who want to connect with those seeking land, and vice versa.
Where: Alvarado Urban Farm, 101 Silver Ave SW (If inclement weather: Downtown Action Team Offices, 100 Gold Ave SW # 204)How Much: FREE (RSVP is required - Space is limited to 100 people) What: Calling all farmland seekers and owners! Come mix and mingle with area growers and farmland owners in a casual setting, and walk away with the connections that can help you achieve your dreams. If you are interested in finding farmland, or if you have farmland you’d like someone else to use, this event is for you! Food and beverages will be provided. RSVP HERE: Info to come Alvarado Urban Farm Grows Food & Farmers: A Farm Tour and Info Session on the Veteran Farmer ProjectWhen: Wed, April 11th, 9:00am-10:30am
Who: Open to the public
Where: Alvarado Urban Farm, 101 Silver Ave SW (If inclement weather: Downtown Action Team Offices, 100 Gold Ave SW #204)How Much: FREE (No registration or RSVP is required) What: The Alvarado Urban Farm is growing by leaps and bounds and is on its way to producing a mouth-watering bounty in the coming year. The goal of the farm is to become a local food hub where Albuquerque residents and businesses can grow and purchase local food and learn about our local food systems. It also serves as a community space for events, lectures and classes. The new Veteran Farmer Project will be using the Farm in 2012 to hold its series of workshops geared towards local veterans. Join us for a tour of the farm with Chris Goblet (Deputy Director of the Downtown Action Team), and an informational session regarding the new Veteran Farmer Project with Robin Seydel (La Montanita Co-op Membership Coordinator) and Joran Viers (Bernalillo County Extension Service Program Director). The Devil in the Details: Navigating Environmental Health PermittingWhen: Wed, April 18th, 4:00-6:00pm
Who: Growers or value added producers interested in learning about navigating environmental health permitting
Where: Bernalillo County Extension Offices (1510 Menaul Ext BLVD NW)
How Much: Free (Participants must register for the course. Class size limited to 20) What: I have all this beautiful produce, but I cannot sell at the Farmers Market nor will restaurants or the Co-op accept it either. Why? Because I do not have the required permits. Learn the different food safety and environmental health regulations from the State of NM, Bernalillo County, and City of Albuquerque. In this workshop, one will learn the differences between the different government permitting entities and how they apply to each grower and seller as well as each buyer, market, and institution. The attendee will have contact information and gain knowledge on how to work through the permitting system. REGISTER HERE: http://www.abqmarkets.org/vendor-resources/sample-page/the-devil-in-the-details-navigating-environmental-health-permitting/ Alvarado Urban Farm Grand Opening and AGMA Market Season KickoffWhen: Tues, May 1st or Wed, May 2nd, 4:00-6:00pm
Who: Open to the public
Where: Alvarado Urban Farm, 101 Silver Ave SW (If inclement weather: Downtown Action Team Offices, 100 Gold Ave SW # 204)
How Much: FREE (RSVP is required - Space is limited to 100 people)What: Info to come RSVP Here: Info to come Got Farm? Need Labor?: Handling Paid Labor, Internships, Volunteers, Crop Mobbing and MoreWhen: Wed, May 16th, 4:00-6:00pm Growing Local Mixer Series: Grower/Buyer MixerWhen: Wed, May 30th, 4:00-7:00pm
Who: Growers, Buyers, Distributors
Where: Alvarado Urban Farm, 101 Silver Ave SW (If inclement weather: Downtown Action Team Offices, 100 Gold Ave SW # 204)
How Much: FREE (RSVP is required - Space is limited to 100 people)What: Info to come RSVP Here: Info to come Estate Planning for Agricultural Land ConservationWhen: TBD
Who: Open to the public
Where: Bernalillo County Extension Offices (1510 Menaul Ext BLVD NW)
How Much: Free (Participants must register for the course. Class size limited to 20)
What: Info to come
Register Here: Info to comeFrom Farm to Restaurant Plate: Buying Local for Your Restaurant or Food ServiceWhen: Wed, June 27th, 2:00-4:00pm
Who: Restaurants, Food Service, Distributors, Growers, Value-Added Producers
Where: Bernalillo County Extension Offices (1510 Menaul Ext BLVD NW)
How Much: Free (Participants must register for the course. Class size limited to 20)
What: Getting local foods into restaurants is not always easy. Actually, it’s rarely easy...but many local growers and restaurants keep working to make it happen despite the challenges. Hear from a group of growers, restaurants owners and chefs regarding the challenges and opportunities in getting foods from the farm to the restaurant, and learn about how some are making it work. Topics covered will include: crop planning for a buyer, overcoming costs, when Mother Nature intervenes, and more.Register Here: Info to come |
The Growing Local Workshop & Event Series covers a variety of food and agriculture topics including business development, access to land, funding opportunities and more. We will also be hosting mixers aimed at connecting people around specific topics. Whatever your interest in local food, there’s something for everyone. Check back with us as we will continue to add workshops throughout the year.Contact Us
Mid Region Council of Governments
809 Copper Ave., NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 505.247.1750
Fax: 505.247.1753
Contact us by Email