NFU Beginning Farmer Institute – Apply Now

Posted on March 23, 2019 by Taylor in Beginning Farmers, Farming Resources, Training Programs // 0 Comments

NFU Beginning Farmer Institute is Accepting Applications for the 2019-2020 Class

Applications for National Farmers Union’s (NFU’s) 2019-2020 Beginning Farmer Institute (BFI) cohort are now open through April 15. BFI is a free training program that prepares beginning farmers of all ages and operation types for a successful future in agriculture.

NFU Beginning Farmer Institute participants will attend three in-person learning sessions over the course of the year, one each in Washington, D.C., Northern California, and Savannah, Georgia. The sessions include farm tours as well as seminars on a variety of beginning farmers issues, such as business planning, USDA programs, and accounting. Each year’s curriculum will be tailored to the participants’ needs as determined by a pre-attendance survey.

A typical session is four to six days long. In Washington, DC, participants will have the opportunity to visit USDA and meet with their Congress member, in addition to attending multiple networking and education events. In Northern California, participants will enjoy hands on learning during farm tours as well as lecture style talks from experts on labor and insurance. In Savannah, GA, participants will attend the National Farmers Union Convention and talks catered to the BFI group.

NFU will cover the majority of the remaining costs of the NFU Beginning Farmer Institute including travel, lodging, and most meals during the event. NFU’s expectation is to have each institute graduate become an inspiration to and actively mentor similar individuals in their area, or to become candidates for local boards and other community opportunities. NFU plans to provide ongoing support to participants after they return to their farms.

There is no age limit for the BFI program – anyone over the age of 18 is eligible to apply. Applicants should be currently farming or planning on starting within the next year. You do not need to be a member of National Farmers Union or a state Farmers Union to apply.

Learn more about the program, past attendees, and apply to the NFU Beginning Farmer Institute at: https://nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute/

If you have any additional questions, please contact Emma Lindberg elindberg@nfudc.org