Workshops

The Conservancy offers a wide array of workshops, classes, and seminars In support of our vision to transform Northeast Ohio into a region of thriving community based farming and food entrepreneurs by 2020.  These workshops are intended to inspire, educate and mobilize the next generation of farmers and food producers, and equip Northeast Ohio citizens with the tools they need to put more local food on their families' plates.

• Exploring the Small Farm Dream – Is Starting a Farm Business Right For You?
  A business short course, guiding potential farmers through a self-assessment process to determine their suitability to the rigors of farm life — and how to plan and marshal the resources to make it possible.
  
  
• Your Farm Business: An Educational Series for Food and Farm Entrepreneurs
  Topics covered in this series of courses include researching and writing a farm business plan, securing start-up funding for a farm, machinery and equipment, finding land to farm, risk management, and farmland protection.

• FarmLink Land Owner Orientation

Specifically targeted to land owners looking to host a beginning farmer on their property through the use of a lease, sale, or creative land tenure arrangement. This workshop discusses ways to hold land in Ohio, determine goals, evaluate what the property can support, and how to find the right farmer for the farm.

• Land Tenure Seminars
  An explanation of lease agreements, purchase options, and creative land tenure arrangements. Ways to hold land that decrease farm start-up costs and expedites beginning farmers' access to land.
  

• Networking Events & Tools
  Specific social gatherings organized to introduce farm seekers to farm owners. Initiate dialog, exchange information and ideas, and build relationships. 
  
  
• Introduction to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
  This day-long workshop is designed to acquaint farmers with the ins-and-outs of organizing a CSA on their farm. Topics include benefits and challenges of CSA farming, suggestions for planning and record keeping, member recruiting and education, opportunities for partnering with other farms, and pricing strategies.

• Cooking Classes (Youth & Adult)
  Junior chefs (ages 7–12) and adults will begin to cultivate and strengthen their culinary skills using the wealth of products available on Saturday mornings at the Countryside Farmers’ Markets' Howe Meadow location.