November 6, November 13, November 20 and December 4, 2008
6:30-9 p.m.
Airlie Center
Warrenton, VA

Have you ever dreamed of changing careers and breaking into agricultural pursuits? Do you have experience as a farm intern or apprentice and need guidance in deciding if launching your own start-up is the best next step? Or are you a current small farmer thinking of expanding your business or taking on a new enterprise? “Exploring the Small Farm Dream” will help you decide!

Designed to help guide you through an initial exploratory decision-making process, the “Explorer” course bridges the gap between ideas and action. Course activities will include:

• Creative exercises, research and class discussions that will help you assess your skills and resources
• Interviews with local farm business owners that will assist you in deciding how to carry your dream forward
• The opportunity to connect with others interested in starting new agricultural enterprises in our region

The “Explorer” course is limited to a maximum of 24 small farm dreamers. Participants must be able to attend all four sessions and conduct five hours of home study each week.

Cost
$150 for four sessions, including workbook. Only $125 more for spouse/project partner.

Registration
A short application form briefly describing your experience and goals must be filled out before registering. To apply, contact Pablo Elliott at pelliott@airlie.org or 540- 347-1300 ext. 3163.

Know a friend who’d be interested? Download a pdf of the course brochure.

This course was developed by the New England Small Farm Institute. For background information, visit www.smallfarm.org.

It is important to note that this course will not teach you how to farm or how to run a farm business. Through facilitated independent study potential new farmers/enterprise owners have the opportunity to explore their farm business ideas and clarify next steps.