CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A new urban micro-farm is being built in Charleston to help teach people agricultural skills to allow them to participate in the local food market.

The farm being built this weekend is the first step in the Charleston Area Alliance's new Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneur initiative.

The design was drafted by students at the Center for Sustainability Studies at Davis & Elkins College. Other partners in the project include the University of Charleston and West Virginia University Extension Service.

Officials say the program will teach members of the public how to cultivate a variety of agricultural products and help them sell the crops at outlets like restaurants and food suppliers.

The inaugural class that kicks in January will feature 12 agriculture courses in urban micro-farming and six courses in entrepreneurship.