Armed to Urban Farm Veteran Training in MD

Posted on February 20, 2020 by Taylor in Farming, Farming Resources, Veterans // 0 Comments

Apply Now for Armed to Urban Farm in Baltimore, MD

In partnership with the United States Botanic Garden (USBG), NCAT is bringing the week-long Armed to Urban Farm veterans’ sustainable agriculture training to Baltimore, Maryland. Armed to Urban Farm gives military veterans an opportunity to see sustainable, profitable small-scale farming enterprises and learn about urban farming as a career.

Armed to Urban Farm, which is based on NCAT’s popular Armed to Farm program, combines engaging classroom sessions with farm tours and hands-on activities. Participants will learn about business planning, budgeting, recordkeeping, marketing, urban soils, land access, vegetable production, and more. Participants will gain a strong foundation in the basic principles of operating a sustainable farming enterprise. In addition, attendees will join a nationwide network of supportive farmer-veterans and agricultural advisors.

Instructors will include NCAT sustainable agriculture specialists, University of Maryland Extension staff, and U.S. Department of Agriculture agency representatives. Attendees will also learn from producers experienced in an urban setting.

Veterans can visit https://www.ncat.org/atf_MD_20/ to complete an application by March 20, 2020. The program is available to military veterans who are interested in starting an urban farm or who are beginning urban farmers (less than 10 years). All veterans are welcome to apply, but those from the Mid-Atlantic region will receive priority. Spouses and farming partners are welcome as well, but must submit separate applications. NCAT will notify selected participants by March 27.

Dates, Location, and Cost

Armed to Urban Farm is scheduled for May 4-8, 2020. Participants will stay at the Marriott Courtyard Baltimore Downtown/Inner Harbor. The training will be divided between classroom time at the Marriott and travel to urban farms in Baltimore for tours and hands-on activities.

The event is free for those chosen to attend; lodging, transportation to local urban farms, and most meals will be provided. Participants must pay their own travel costs to and from the event.

Hosts

NCAT and the USBG are partners in this program and will organize and host the Armed to Urban Farm event in Baltimore.

Questions?
Please contact Andy Pressman, andyp@ncat.org, (479) 587-3475.

About the National Center for Appropriate Technology
Since 1976, the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has been helping people by championing small-scale, local and sustainable solutions to reduce poverty, promote healthy communities and protect natural resources. In partnership with businesses, organizations, individuals and agricultural producers, NCAT is working to advance solutions that will ensure the next generation inherits a world that has clean air and water, energy production that is efficient and renewable, and healthy foods grown with sustainable practices. More information about its programs and services is available at www.ncat.org or by calling 1-800-ASK-NCAT.

About the United States Botanic Garden
The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is the oldest continuously operating public garden in North America. The Garden informs visitors about the importance and fundamental value and diversity of plants, as well as their aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic, and ecological significance. With over a million visitors annually, the USBG strives to demonstrate and promote sustainable practices. The USBG is a living plant museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and Botanic Gardens Conservation International. www.USBG.gov