Organic Farmer Training Program – Apply for 2019!

Posted on October 2, 2018 by Taylor in Beginning Farmers, Education, Farmer, Farming, Farming Practices, Organic, Training Programs // 0 Comments

Apply Now for 2019 Michigan State University Organic Farmer Training Program

To Beginning Farmers, Farm Employees and those contemplating a future in smaller scale, sustainable farming:

You can now start applying to be part of the 2019 Organic Farmer Training Program at Michigan State University. The course is held Mondays for 33 weeks from late March through early November (more details below).

The 2019 Organic Farmer Training Program Application is HERE and the Scholarship Application is HERE. You can find out more about the 2019 OFTP by visiting our updated website.

Please let me know if you have any questions at all about the OFTP or the application process by sending an email to msufarm@msu.edu. Below you will find information about the program that is listed at the top of the application form. You can also visit our website for more information.

Thank you for your interest in the 2019 MSU Organic Farmer Training Program!

Organic Farmer Training Program
The Organic Farmer Training Program (OFTP) teaches organic farming through hands-on activities, farm walks, classroom activities & discussions, video lectures, readings, guest speakers, visits to 20+ Michigan farms and practical assignments, like writing a Farm Business Plan. The OFTP is a vibrant, diverse and positive learning community where students learn from each other and can share their unique skills, experience and goals.

The OFTP can only accept 17 participants per 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

ORGANIC FARMER TRAINING PROGRAM 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 (fee waived through September 1st, 2018, 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.
~Early application deadline: September 1, 2018 (fee waived)
~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.

Find more beginning farmer training program options at https://www.beginningfarmers.org/beginning-farmer-training-programs/

Find additional farming resources at https://www.beginningfarmers.org/additional-farming-resources/