Root and Bloom Fellowship

This fellowship may be a good fit for you if you resonate with the following statements:

• I am interested in exploring how policy change can be an opportunity for improvement in my life, farm, and community circumstances. 
• I am curious to understand better how power moves within different levels of government in the United States.
• I am interested in pursuing decision-making, leadership, and public service positions myself.
• I hold a deep understanding of racial equity as a need in our agricultural policy systems. 
• I am passionate about being a part of both a national collective and remaining grounded in purpose in local community change opportunities. 

• Applicants must be actively involved in agriculture – farming, ranching, stewarding land, or growing food. This can include owning your own farm business, working on a farm, or something in between. 
  • NOTE: To participate in the Root & Bloom Fellowship, current involvement in agriculture is required. We will not consider applications from folks who are not currently active farmers.
• Applicants can be based anywhere in the U.S. – we are looking for a wide geographic distribution. 
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old as of June 30, 2024.
• There are no preferences for what applicants produce on their operations or for their current scale of farm.
• We strongly encourage farmers of color, indigenous farmers, and farmers who may be underrepresented in agricultural leadership positions to apply.
• Staff of the National Young Farmers Coalition are not eligible to apply.
• Previous fellows of any Young Farmer Fellowship Program are not eligible to apply.
  • If you have been through a previous Coalition fellowship, thank you for your interest! The Root and Bloom fellowship will cover many topics and skills that you’ve already built in previous fellowship programming.

What to Expect:

• A stipend to cover the cost of your time spent in the program
  • ~ 20 hours in 2024 (September – December)
  • ~ 40 hours in 2025 (January – June) 
• Dedicated time to build relationships with the fellow cohort
• A significant amount of independent project work time
• Dedicated staff support throughout program from the Young Farmers team

Requirements (to be completed by the end of the program): 

• Attendance in at least 85% of workshops, sessions, and fellowship activities
  • Regular fellowship sessions will occur twice a month, generally in two hour periods of time. Fellowship session will happen on Zoom. 
  • If you need to miss a session, please do your best to communicate with program staff ahead of time!
• Research and write a strategic proposal to attain a position of the fellow’s choosing (detailed guidelines given once fellowship starts)
• Carry out the proposal – run for a board, seek an appointment, etc. (again, more details provided in program!)
• Engage with advocacy and policy opportunities through the Coalition’s active campaigns
• Host an In-District meeting with one of your Members of Congress in April 2025
• Share out about your experience to support future farmer leaders who are interested in similar roles learn more