2026 NCFS South Central

IN PERSON SESSIONS WILL BE HELD ON MONDAYS, 8AM - 4PM FOR ALL NCFS SOUTH CENTRAL PARTICIPANTS AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS AND DATES:

Zoom Virtual Orientation - March 2nd from 6:30 - 8:00pm
March 16th - Mecklenburg County Center, 2415 Lester St, Charlotte, NC 28208
April 20th- Rowan County Center, 1959 Jake Alexander Blvd W #1400, Salisbury, NC 28147
May 18th - Iredell County Center, 444 Bristol Dr, Statesville, NC 28677
June 15th- Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Ave W, Concord, NC 28027
June 29th- Graduation Dinner, Cabarrus County from 6:30pm - 8:30pm, location TBD

NCFS SOUTH CENTRAL

See all locations mapped below by clicking more options

Registration will end when the class fills (max of 35 persons) or on February 2nd.Each session will include classroom instruction, interactive activities, and practical on farm visits. Sessions are not offered for individual attendance and intended for participants to complete the entire series with the goal of completing a business plan. WHAT WE DO...HOW WE DO IT...

Man in straw hat stands on grass overlooking rows of vineyard vines

WHAT IT COSTS:

Because we are supported by those who want to see successful farms start in your community we are able to offer the program for a fraction of the total cost. We have two types of registration for all locations listed below:

JOINT REGISTRATION: $550 (two team members only)
SINGLE REGISTRATION: $300

IMPORTANT PROGRAM INFORMATION / FAQ

Is attendance mandatory? We expect students to attend 3 of the 4 sessions. We also expect a completed basic business plan to receive a graduate certificate. Because each session has an on-farm component where students can visit successful farms in the area we only offer in person attendance to complete the program.
When are applications due? Applications are reviewed and accepted monthly from October-January or until all program spots are full. All applications are due on or before February 2nd or until the program spots are full. We cap the class at 35 people to ensure we have the capacity to serve each student well.
How will I know if I was accepted? If you have applied you will be contacted the end of the month in which you applied.
What does the tuition cover? Our program is subsidized and the cost you see reflected is a portion of the cost it requires to run the program. This is thanks to sponsors and state funding made available to help start and support farms in NC. Those dollars go to local food, local farmers, course materials, and further program development.
Are there online-based resources? We have a student-based website as well as an online/interactive business planning tool. The program embraces all learning styles and completion of a business plan is possible in multiple formats.
Are farm consultations included? This program includes an on-farm consultation visit and students are expected to sign up for their on-farm visit based on a scheduled availability communicated via email and sign-up link.
Are there discounts? If you have attended a small farm boot camp you will receive a $25 discount for a single or double registration.

For specific questions about billing or for persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency may request accommodations to participate by contacting Morgan Watts at morgan_watts@ncsu.edu or calling (704) 216-8970 , North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Rowan County Center, at least 10 business days prior to the event.