NWCA Awarded Risk Management Education Grant
MOUNT VERNON, WASHINGTON (August 2026)—Northwest Cider Association has been awarded a Risk Management Education Grant from the Western Extension Risk Management Education Center to launch Cider School, a new professional development program designed to help cideries and orchards strengthen their businesses through practical risk management education.
Beginning this fall, Cider School will provide industry-focused training and one-on-one support to help participants improve financial resilience, navigate business challenges, and build long-term success.
This grant will support:
- A webinar series (November–February) covering topics such as crop insurance, stress management, agritourism, and financial performance.
- Dedicated NW Cider Symposium workshops on March 16 focused on marketing, insurance, and key financial metrics, led by industry experts.
- Subsidized one-on-one consulting with Irvine & Co., offering up to four hours of individualized financial consulting for as many as 25 cideries, including cost of goods sold analysis and other financial management tools.
- An ongoing learning community that will connect participants through virtual and in-person gatherings, allowing cideries and orchards to continue learning and sharing resources through June 2027.
Registration and program details will be announced in September. NWCA looks forward to welcoming a strong cohort of cideries and orchards to participate in this new initiative.
