Application Deadline September 28th
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking.
We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses. We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network.
Farm Beginnings® is training the next generation of farmers in the many skills required to start and expand a successful farm business: passion, clear goals, production experience, financial and marketing know-how, and more. Farm Beginnings® will help you build these skills through one year of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking. We support individuals in clarifying their goals and strengths, developing agricultural skills, and growing profitable, equitable, and ecologically sound farm businesses. We use a holistic management frame, farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, mentoring, and an extensive farmer network. The topics of equity and justice in the food systems are woven into the curriculum, including examples of realistic approaches within the scope of your business models. Guided by our commitment to social justice, our programming is led by farmers and mentors active in food, farming, or social justice. By empowering people with skills, knowledge, and access to resources, together we can build a more diverse, equitable food system that enriches the environment and creates a thriving food and farming community.
Although students do not need to own land, some farming or production experience is required to get the most out of the program.
Program Details
2022-2023 Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training includes:
(This is the previous class schedule, which will be updated once finalized for the upcoming year.)
- Winter Course Schedule & Descriptions 2021-2022
(October – March)- ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference
(February)- OGS Spring Conference
(March)- Mentorship with an experienced Farmer Mentor
15 hours (February/ March – September)- Production Training
45 hours (April – October):- WNC CRAFT tours on sustainable farms around WNC
- Field Days with regional partner Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Community Farm
- One-year WNC CRAFT Farmer Network membership