West Virginia State University (WVSU) Extension Service is teaming with Fruits of Labor Inc. for a series of free agriculture workshops to help beginning and experienced gardeners learn a variety of agricultural growing and harvesting techniques on July 26-27 at Fruits of Labor Café and Bakery in Rainelle.
The two-day event will include tours of Fruits of Labor’s small fruit orchard and mushroom production sites.
“We are excited to team with Fruits of Labor Inc. and bring this much-needed instruction to the people of Greenbrier County,” said WVSU Extension Agent Brad Cochran. “We will be placing great emphasis on growing and consuming locally sourced foods within the town of Rainelle.”
Beginning at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, Cochran will present a hands-on workshop on mushroom production, followed by a plated dinner at the Fruits of Labor Café at a cost of $12.50.
At 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27, Cochran will lead a session on small fruit production, followed in the afternoon by the site tours.
Since 2014, WVSU Extension Service has partnered with Fruits of Labor Inc. on initiatives relating to nutrition education, urban farm development and the creation of the orchard and mushroom production sites, which were made possible by West Virginia Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grants.
Registration for the workshops is required, and space is limited to 30 attendees. To register, contact Extension Agent Brad Cochran at 304-541-3301 or bcochran2@wvstateu.edu.