Only two slots remaining for the 2013 cohort of the Organic Farmer Training Program at the Michigan State University Student Organic Farm!

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 14.5-acre certified organic farm, including passive solar greenhouses used for year-round production in cold climates.  Participants also manage the Student Organic Farm’s (SOF) field and hoophouse production. 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 trainings 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.  Program participants who complete the program will earn a Certificate from MSU Student Organic Farm and MSU Department of Horticulture.  Program tuition is $8600 for the year, but scholarships are available.

We don’t usually post farmer training program listings on the NYFC blog, but the the MSU program is one of the best in the country for beginning farmers to get the skills they need to start their own operations.  

For more information: http://msuorganicfarm.org/organic-farmer-training-program