Workshops focus on

women in agriculture
By Scott Nicholson
nicholson@wataugademocrat.com

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture are getting ready for spring by growing new ideas, workshops and educational efforts.

Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture was formed in 2004, and the group’s mission is to empower women and their families with resources, education, and skills related to the production and consumption of sustainably grown food from the community.

Although BRWIA supports all local food production, there’s a special emphasis on women because the number of women farmers in the U.S. increased 13 percent between 1997 and 2002.

That is helping offset the “aging out” of many farmers, with overall numbers declining each year, meaning women are making up an increasingly larger portion of the agricultural production.

Amy Galloway, BRWIA spokeswoman, said the number of farmers in the High Country has declined rapidly because of high land prices, U.S. farm policy and the low pay for hard work.

Between 1997 and 2002, Watauga County lost 36 farms, totaling a loss of 633 acres from farm production.

She said there are several advantages in supporting local food and farms, adding her belief that food is more nutritious when it does not travel across the globe, more money stays in the community and goes directly to the farmer and farmland is preserved.

The group’s major event this year is organizing the annual High Country Farm Tour, which was formerly run by Carolina Farm Stewardship Association.

Angie Pate, BRWIA’s program director, said of the August event, “We are happy to take over this event because we think it is so important for people to visit our local farms and to see where their food is grown.”

BRWIA is planning to organize an event to connect local producers with institutional food purchasers, working toward the same goal that New River Organic growers and others are, seeking more markets for local producers.

They will also distribute a seasonal newsletter, The Local Food Connection, with recent information about local food production.

The newsletter will focus on the fun and goodness of local foods in the kitchen.

BRWIA is also supporting a garden for a local group of Hispanic women. The Watauga Cooperative Extension is providing a site for the garden and BRWIA and Heifer International are providing equipment and logistical support.

The group is also hosting a potluck dinner and lecture series during the second Tuesday of each month. The meetings are held at various local centers like Ashe Family Central and Agricultural Conference center in Boone, with meals beginning at 6 p.m.

Topics
May 13: Food Insecurity (ASU student, Matt Ballard, will present work on honor’s thesis) – Watauga Extension Center
June 10: Local sources of Meat – Watauga Extension Center
July: What’s Cooking at Ashe Family Central?
August: High Country Farm Tour
September: Seasonal Cooking in the High Country
October: Where does food come from? Understanding Food Systems
November: Appreciating diversity: Why are Heritage Breeds important?
December: Food and Film night
For more information, visit www.brwia.org.