Growers’ school offered via distance delivery

September 19, 2011

Marmian Grimes

The Advanced Alaskan 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.

If you are interested in the course please complete a survey and pre-quiz at www.uaf.edu/ces/ags/apply.

Beginner and advanced versions of the course will be offered again next year.

For more information, contact Kienenberger at 452-8251, ext. 3447 or dkienenberger@alaska.edu.