Annie’s Project Farm Training Program Returns to WVU Extension Service Offices

MORGANTOWN, W.Va., Dec. 18 -- West Virginia University issued the following news release:

Annie's Project, a six-session risk-management training course designed to help West Virginia women turn their passion for farming into financial gain, is returning to West Virginia University Extension Service offices across the state.

For first-time participants, the course covers risk management training in business planning, record keeping, financial analysis, farm and food safety, and networking.

For returning participants, an advanced track will help participants conduct farm financial analyses; build business and food-safety plans; and understand more about estate and succession planning and social media promotion techniques.

The course is $25, which includes materials and refreshments. Pre-registration is required. Registration is limited to 15 participants per location.

The program addresses the specific needs women often face when managing a farm or farm-related operation, but also grows independent, profitable, female-led agribusinesses in the state.

"The need to understand agribusiness risks and how to effectively reduce the impact of these risks remains the same regardless of gender," said Dee Singh-Knights, WVU Extension Service agricultural economics specialist. "It's the unique, peer-to-peer learning environment and networking opportunities that make Annie's Project a unique and welcoming experience for women in our field."

Annie's Project courses will take place at seven locations throughout the state and there will is also an option to take the course entirely online. Each location will customize the training to help meet the needs of the farmers it serves.

To find out the Annie's Project location nearest you, visit www.anr.ext.wvu.edu/ag-women. You may also contact Singh-Knights ([email protected]) at 304-293-7606.

Annie's Project is offered in partnership with the WVU Small Farm Center, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition, Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, the Farm Service Agency and Farm Credit of the Virginias.

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