National Farmers Union Beginning Farmer Institute

Posted on April 12, 2020 by Taylor in Beginning Farmers, Business, Education, Farming, Farming Practices, Management, Training Programs // 0 Comments

Apply for the National Farmers Union Beginning Farmer Institute – 2020-2021

Applications are open for National Farmers Union’s (NFU) 2020-2021 Beginning Farmer Institute (BFI)!

The BFI is a training program for new producers of all ages and operation type/size. Participants will attend three in-person learning sessions over the course of the year, one each in Nashville, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. The sessions include farm tours, seminars on a variety of subjects, and the opportunity to meet with members of Congress at NFU’s fall legislative fly-in.

National Farmers Union Beginning Farmer Institute topics covered include business planning, access to credit, labor laws, taxes, and more. The program involves 3 in-person educational sessions over the course of a year. Most sessions are between 4 and 6 days long. In addition to the in-person sessions, participants will meet virtually or over the phone. Sessions for the 2020-2021 cohort include:

Nashville, TN in November, 2020

San Francisco, CA in March, 2021

Washington D.C. in September 2021

NFU’s expectation is to have each BFI graduate to become an inspiration for and mentor to other beginning or aspiring farmers in their region. NFU will provide ongoing support to participants after they return to their farms following program completion.

Most costs including travel, meals, hotels are provided by the National Farmers Union Beginning Farmer Institute. There is a one time $100 program fee for non NFU Members.

Each participant is required to submit a completed application including a short essay on his/her beginning farming experience and why he/she is interested in participating in the program. Applicants should be currently farming or planning on starting within the next year. Operators of any operation type and size are eligible to apply. Applications are open to all U.S. residents aged 18 or older. Applications are open until June 15. Learn more and apply here.