Chesapeake CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) began in 2010. Modeled after other CRAFT programs in the United States, Chesapeake CRAFT is organized by farmers interested in improving practical new farmer training and networking in the region, particularly in sustainable agriculture. The goal of Chesapeake CRAFT is to coordinate and facilitate learning opportunities for farm apprentices, interns, and workers, through a combination of farm visits, classes, and potlucks. The Chesapeake CRAFT program consists primarily of visits to farms and farm projects in Virginia and Maryland that emphasize successful ecological approaches to agriculture and are within a two-hour drive from Washington DC. Individuals who are not working with a participating CRAFT farm, but wish to join the program, can join the program independently.
How It Works
The Chesapeake CRAFT program will consists of on-farm classes and events, commencing in April and concluding in November. Participants in Chesapeake CRAFT will have the opportunity to visit several different farms in Maryland and Virginia, network with other interns, workers, apprentices, and farmers and learn more about diverse approaches to sustainable agriculture in the region.
Farms and individuals participating in the Chesapeake CRAFT program will pay a small annual fee to support materials and host farm honoraria.
The Cost
The cost for a farm to participate in the Chesapeake CRAFT program is $150, which covers the costs of compensating farms that serve as hosts for the program, as well as basic management costs. For $150, workers, interns, apprentices, and farmers from a participating farm project can attend every event in the CRAFT program schedule. Individuals can independently join the Chesapeake CRAFT program for $50. It is understood that most folks will not be able to attend every event in the schedule, particularly those events that are several hours away by car. Participants are encouraged to attend CRAFT classes, which are every other month, if at all possible, and at least five CRAFT events throughout the season.
For non-participating farms and individuals, there is a single-event fee of $10 for each event attended. We encourage you to be a part of the CRAFT community and to join us throughout the season.
Schedule of Events
Visit the Chesapeake CRAFT website for the current season’s schedule of events and tours.
Chesapeake CRAFT Program Coordinators
Shawna and Attila Agoston, Mountain View Farm, Purcellville, VA
Emily Cook, Sunnyside Farm, Little Washington, VA
Pablo Elliott, The Local Food Project at Airlie, Warrenton, VA
Mike Snow, Accokeek, MD
To Join
Make checks payable to “Accokeek Foundation” and mail to:
CRAFT
c/o Accokeek Foundation
3400 Bryan Point Road
Accokeek, MD 20607
or pay online easily (please note CRAFT in the comments section):
For more information about the Chesapeake CRAFT program, please contact:
Mike Snow
