Birmingham
Birmingham to host three-day “specialty crop” class
The free class will be held June 12-14 and focus on growing fruits, vegetables, and other crops.
Instructor Derrick Lee helps prepare the community garden at Tuxedo Terrace in Ensley. Photo courtesy of the Green Industry Web Portal.
Starting today, Birmingham will host a three-day specialty crops class at the Shield’s Conference Center. The class is designed to educate those interested in starting a small business built around growing specialty crops, which include fruit, vegetables, flowers, and landscape and nursery stock.
The class is a partnership between the city and the Alabama Department of Agriculture, Tuskegee University’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Program, the Alabama Department of Education and the Green Industry Web Portal.
“Right now, employee needs in the industry are the greatest I have seen in my 40 years in the industry,” said Green Industry Web Portal Education Director Fred Kapp. “We believe there are plenty of jobs for any rural or inner city person who wants to work. Most of the jobs pay well, have benefits and a real future.”
Those who pass an exam at the end of the class will be given a certificate endorsed “by industry association partners,” according to a press release.
Kapp said he hoped the class could attract roughly 25 attendees.
The class is free and will be held June 12-14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Shield’s Conference Center is located at 3936 14th Ave. N.
