Farmer Starter | Program Details

Program dates:

The Fall 2020 Farmer Starter session will go from August 4th through December 17th 2020.

The deadline to apply is May 31st 2020. Upon acceptance to the program, you may choose to apply for needs based financial aid.

Student schedule:

Students meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:30am to 4:00pm.
Mornings are spent in the field with the Farm Manager getting valuable hands-on experience and growing food for our Mobile Markets.
Afternoons are spent in the classroom with the Education Manager learning the science and business of farm management, or on field trips to see a variety of farming practices.
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.
Class size: 8 students maximum.

Application process:

Applications are reviewed by the Education Manager, who will follow up to schedule an interview and farm tour.

Tuition, room & board:

Tuition is $3,000.
Students have the option of living on the farm during the semester 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.
Farmshare awards need-based scholarships and offers workshare programs as financial aid.
Scholarships are also available through CCOF’s Future Organic Farmer Grant (application period is April 1- May 6th) or the National Young Farmer Grant Program (due March 29th)

Skills desired:

Applicants should have a passion for local food production and organic agriculture.
Previous farm or garden experience is preferred but not necessary.
Candidates must demonstrate a strong desire to learn about small-scale, sustainable agriculture.

Additional considerations:

Students should be prepared to make a full season commitment and participate in all activities for the duration of the program.
Students must be comfortable and capable of performing strenuous physical work in a variety of conditions.
Students provide their own transportation to and from the farm.
We’re sorry but we cannot accommodate pets at this time.

Contact:

Please contact Farmshare Austin with any questions about the program: