Growing Alternative Crops as Value-Added 2025 Workshop Series

Unlock the potential of sustainable farming with this six-class series of Alternative Crop Course offered by UMES Extension specialist Dr. Nadine Burton, starting Feb. 1.

Designed for aspiring farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, and environmental advocates, this comprehensive course introduces you to non-traditional crops that are both economically viable and environmentally friendly.

You’ll gain valuable insights into a variety of high-demand niche crops, from organic produce and medicinal herbs to drought-resistant varieties. We provide hands-on learning experiences and expert guidance to ensure you can successfully grow, harvest, and sell these innovative crops.

In addition to crop cultivation, the course offers a key business segment, focusing on crucial areas like business planning, bookkeeping, QuickBooks, and marketing strategies to help you turn your farming venture into a thriving business.

You'll also learn essential conservation practices to preserve your land and improve sustainability, along with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training to ensure food safety and compliance with industry standards.

Whether you are looking to diversify your farm’s income, reduce environmental impact, or improve your business skills, this course equips you with everything you need to succeed in today’s dynamic agricultural landscape.

Join us and cultivate a future of farming that’s both profitable and planet-friendly.

The series features six in-person classes at the UMES Research, Extension and Teaching Farm in Princess Anne, starting Feb. 1. Attendance is required at all six classes, which will take place 9 a.m.-2 p.m. each session.

The cost is $150 for the class series and lunch will be provided.

Class size is limited to 15 people and pre-registration is required.

The schedule:

• Feb. 1: Getting a Jumpstart in Growing Alternative Crops
• Feb. 15: Marketing
• March 1: Soil Health & Regenerative Practices
• April 5: Conservation Practices
• April 26: Business Planning & Bookkeeping
• May 10: Food Safety & GAP Training

NOTE: Course content may change, but dates are firm.

Monthly farm visits are offered to provide technical support for your growing crops. Attendees will also have an opportunity to present results at the 2025 Small Farm Conference.

NOTE: Students who participated last year in the workshops are not eligible to take part again this year. However, they may contact Crystal J. Sankar at the Small Farms Program for new material offered this year.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:

If you are in need of any special accommodations, contact [email protected].

CONTACT:

Crystal J. Sankar, UMES Small Farm Program, at [email protected].

UMES Extension is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). UMES is an EEO/AA employer. For special accommodations, email [email protected].

Event Venue

10789 Stewart Neck Rd, 10789 Stewart Neck Road, Princess Anne, United States