Refresh Appalachia is a program of Coalfield Development focused on developing, shaping, and supporting the regenerative and sustainable agriculture sector in Central Appalachia.

An update about refresh appalachia:

As we approach the conclusion of 2023, I am honored to share with you the incredible journey we at Refresh
have undertaken together and the monumental achievements we’ve witnessed throughout the past year. Our
collaborative efforts have not only defined the course of the previous year but have also set the stage for a
transformative future in Appalachia… Read More

Significant 2023 Milestones

1. Establishment of the Appalachian Regional Food Business Center

A collaborative effort involving twelve organizations including Refresh, led by Rural Action on behalf of the Central Appalachian Network, has been awarded 42.5 million dollars in funds by the USDA to establish the Appalachia Regional Food Business Center. These centers are instrumental in providing coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building to empower farmers, ranchers, and other food businesses. They serve as dynamic hubs, closing gaps to success and fostering collaboration. Further information on this opportunity will be rolled out in 2024.

2. Workforce Development and Training

Through the support of a USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grant, An Appalachian Regional Power Grant, and numerous foundations, we have provided training experiences to over 225 individuals and supported 10 Coalfield trainees and crew members in agriculture with direct training and hands on experience. Witnessing the transformative journey of our crew members is a testament to the power of second chances and the impact of our programs on individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who are just seeking to have an opportunity to do better.

3. Farm to School

We have made huge strides with our work around Farm to School. We understand that this work is vital to the health of our communities now and in years to come as we nourish the next generation. We have engaged students across numerous counties with one-on-one educational programing which has reached more than 2000 students and supported five WV school systems in procuring more local food. We plan to expand this greatly in 2024 and continue to build upon the success of 2023 by launching our new Farm to School Institutes training series.

4. Farm Pride

Successfully launched Farmer Pride Coalition in WV, our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative modeled and in partnership with Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD) based in Virginia. This was kicked off with a series of DEI virtual trainings which was followed by a larger event with vendors, games, workshops, and space for conversation with over 120 people in attendance. Farmer PRIDE Coalition is a grassroots-based networking and education coalition designed to provide business and educational opportunities for farmers, ranchers, growers, gardeners, agroforesters, livestock producers, and others in the food system who identify as LGBTQ+. We look forward to working with ASD on this initiative throughout 2024 and hosting our event again in June of 2024.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COALITION

This program has 4 main objectives:

Expand agricultural knowledge, understanding, and opportunity through paid on-the-job training experiences.
Strengthen and develop the agricultural sector through creative and collaborative partnerships and projects.
Promote and facilitate aggregation and distribution for agricultural producers.
Explore, experiment, and implement innovative and regenerative agriculture practices on degraded lands.

Supporting Appalachia:

How to Get Involved:

Sign up for our email list to receive general updates on trainings and opportunities by emailing us at Refresh(at)coalfield-development.org

Donate

Consider making a tax-deductible donation to Coalfield Development with the subject "Refresh Appalachia" to support our ongoing work.

Some of our Partners:

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Keep up with Refresh Appalachia on social media! See the latest news, updates, and what our crew is up to over on our Facebook page.

Refresh Appalachia is a program of Coalfield Development focused on developing, shaping, and supporting the regenerative and sustainable agriculture sector in Central Appalachia.

An update about refresh appalachia:

Significant 2023 Milestones

1. Establishment of the Appalachian Regional Food Business Center

2. Workforce Development and Training

3. Farm to School

4. Farm Pride

This program has 4 main objectives:

Supporting Appalachia:

How to Get Involved:

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Some of our Partners:

Visit us on Facebook:

Support Coalfield Development in rebuilding the Appalachian economy.

Incubating and Investing in Employment-Based Social Enterprises

Facilitating Professional, Personal, and Academic Development for People Facing Barriers to Employment

Leading and Collaborating on Community-Based Revitalization Projects

Designing And Scaling New Programs In Emerging Sustainable Sectors

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