Organic Farmer Training Program at Michigan State University

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2016 Application is Available for the Organic Farmer Training Program
at the Michigan State University Student Organic Farm! Apply now!

The Organic Farmer Training Program offers nine months of intensive instruction in year-round organic farming. The program focuses on diversified production of vegetables, livestock, flowers, fruits, and herbs for local markets.  Participants manage all aspects of a 15-acre certified organic farm, including passive solar greenhouses used for year-round production in cold climates. Participants also manage the Student Organic Farm’s field and hoophouse production, use equipment, create business and production plans for their future farm businesses, travel around the state to visit dozens of other farm and food businesses, and engage in direct marketing of produce. Produce is grown for the farm’s primary markets, including a 48-week CSA, seven-month on-campus farm stand, and sales to campus dining services.

Participants develop competencies in farm skills and business planning through skills trainings, individual advising meetings and engagement in the daily operation of the farm. Hands-on training is combined with workshops, lectures, readings and assignments that build participants’ knowledge and understanding of organic farming principles and practices.  The program is designed to give participants a strong background in production skills, as well as the knowledge, management, and decision-making skills necessary to operate a diversified small farming business.

Scholarships available! Merit and need-based scholarships are made possible by funds raised at our annual Hoophouse Gala, sponsored by MSU Residential and Hospitality Services. We are proud and excited to be able to offer these scholarships in order to decrease barriers to training for new and beginning farmers.

Early Application Deadline: September 1st. Application fee waived!

Visit our website for full program description and application: https://www.msuorganicfarm.org/organic-farmer-training-program.html

Contact us at: msufarm@msu.edu; 517-230-7987