Organic Farmer Training Program Accepting Applications

Organic Farmer Training Program

The Organic Farmer Training Program can only accept 23 participants this year. Strong applicants meet 3 criteria: 
     –Hands-on farming experience
     –Plans to start or manage a farm or educational farm project in the future
     –Ability to contribute to a positive learning community
However, we take into account your full life experience and relevant skills that contribute to success in farming, such as marketing or business experience, mechanical or building skills, relevant education, etc.  The program is not appropriate for initial exposure to organic farming, but we may be able to recommend a farm in your area to work or volunteer to strengthen your application. 

PROGRAM DETAILS:
~March 18th-November 11th (NO CLASS May 27 & September 2)
~Mondays 9am-5pm @ the MSU Student Organic Farm in East Lansing, MI
~$3,900 plus required books (scholarships of $500 to $3500 available)

TIME COMMITMENT
Full class day each Monday 
+ 3 – 10 hours per week for assignments, video lectures and readings
+ Weekend trip to Traverse City farms (June 22 – 24)
+ Time working or volunteering on a farm 

APPLICATION MATERIALS 
–application form
-transcripts
-resume
-2 professional letters of recommendation (not friends or family)
-Farm visit (contact us for other options if you are too far away to visit) 
-$50 application fee (checks to Michigan State University).
-OPTIONAL- Scholarship application & financial statement if applying for a scholarship

1.  Email scans/photos of documents & questions: 
msufarm@msu.edu,  subject line “OFTP Application“
2.  Mail to:
     Katie Brandt
     MSU Student Organic Farm
     Plant & Soil Science Building
     1066 Bogue St., Room A288
     East Lansing, MI 48824
NOTE: University mail is slow. Emailing scans/photos of documents is recommended if you have internet access.
~Rolling Admissions – we accept applications until the cohort is filled!

CONTACT:
msufarm@msu.edu (subject line “OFTP”) 
517-230-7987 (voice mails checked weekly, email will receive quicker response)
~Please feel free to ask questions to help you decide if this is the right program for you.