Farmer Starter
Program Details
Applications for
Farmer Starter Spring 2021 are now closed
Fall 2021 Applications will open March 1st, 2021
Spring 2021 Farmer Starter Dates:
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Program: February 9th - June 24th, 2021
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Applications Accepted: September 1st - November 6th 2020
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Acceptance announced: November 20th 2020
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Financial Aid applications for accepted students due December 1st 2020
Student schedule:
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Students meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:30am to 4:00pm.
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Mornings are spent in the field with the Farm Manager getting valuable hands-on experience and growing food for our Mobile Markets.
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Afternoons are spent in the classroom with the Education Director learning the science and business of farm management, or on field trips to see a variety of farming practices.
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Students spend an additional 4 to 6 hours per season with Farmshare Staff at a Mobile Market to learn the ins and outs of direct marketing and Farmers' Market sales.
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Class size: 8 students maximum.
Application process:
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Applications are reviewed by the Education Director, who will follow up to schedule an interview and farm tour.
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Upon acceptance to the program, you may choose to apply for needs based financial aid.
Tuition, room & board:
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Tuition is $3,000.
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Farmshare is committed to supporting students who have financial barriers to entering farming by offering need-based scholarships and work share programs as financial aid. Upon acceptance to the program you will be invited to apply for financial aid.
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Scholarships are also available through CCOF’s Future Organic Farmer Grant or the National Young Farmer Grant Program
Accommodation:
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Limited accommodation is available on a first come first served basis for an additional $1,500 for the 20 weeks. Accommodations include a full size bed in a loft in our farmhouse, full kitchen and shared bath.
Skills desired:
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Applicants should have a passion for local food production and organic agriculture.
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Previous farm or garden experience is preferred but not necessary.
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Candidates must demonstrate a strong desire to learn about small-scale, sustainable agriculture.
Additional considerations:
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Students should be prepared to make a full season commitment and participate in all activities for the duration of the program.
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Students must be comfortable and capable of performing strenuous physical work in a variety of conditions.
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Students provide their own transportation to and from the farm.
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We’re sorry but we cannot accommodate pets at this time.