Free Beginner Farmer Training Program
Future Harvest CASA offers a free, year-long beginner farmer training program with 3 levels from entry-level to advanced. Apply now for 2020.
Our Beginner Farmer Training Program (BFTP) is now accepting applications for the 2020 training season! The BFTP provides a FREE, year-long immersive training experience that combines a comprehensive classroom curriculum with hands-on learning at Chesapeake region farms that employ practices that are profitable, protect land and water, and build healthy communities.
We offer 3 levels of training, designed to meet the needs of new farmers at different stages, from entry-level to advanced. All 3 levels of the BFTP are FREE and trainees receive a host of benefits: annual FHCASA membership, free admission to our popular winter conference and year-round field days.
The program has built-in scheduling flexibility and is open to beginning farmers in MD, VA, DE—including the Delmarva Peninsula—and DC, WV, and PA.
Join a diverse, inclusive network of new and experienced farmers! We are committed to building a safe, supportive network for all trainees, free from discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, religion, veteran status, military obligations, or marital status.
We offer training in diverse operation types, including: vegetables, fruit, cut flowers, herbs, and livestock at urban, peri-urban, and rural farm settings.
The program is also designed with built-in scheduling flexibility to allow new farmers to further their training while maintaining their own farms or other work.
Accessibility: we are committed to making the BFTP accessible to all aspiring farmers. For classroom curriculum, there are both in-person and online options. For on-farm events, if a given site does not meet a trainee’s access needs, we will work together to find an alternate option. We want to make this work! Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Beginner Farmer Training Program participants receive a host of additional benefits:
- Free admission to our popular winter conference
- Free admission to our year-round field days at innovative farms
- Access to a supportive network of new and experienced farmers
- FHCASA membership
- and more!
Applications are due October 15, 2019.
Detailed Beginner Farmer Training Program information and instructions on how to apply are on our website HERE. Questions? Please contact Sarah Sohn, BFTP Director: sarah@futureharvestcasa.org.
The BFTP offers a 12-month immersive training experience that combines a comprehensive classroom curriculum with hands-on learning at some of the region’s leading sustainable farms.
- Learn more about beginning farmer training programs at https://www.beginningfarmers.org/beginning-farmer-training-programs/
- And get loads of other great farming resources from https://www.beginningfarmers.org/additional-farming-resources/
Your Privacy Choices
I am looking to leave the industrial world. I am interested in owning a half acre of land. How do so become a farmer? I enjoy growing my own produce
That’s great John. Good luck, and keep in touch!
Hi There
I am planing to take a packet and start goat/sheep/poultry farming.
Need your guidance and help please
kind regards
Hendrick
Hendrick,
You may want to contact the organization offering this training directly. I would also be happy to answer any specific questions you have.
Hay, I am in high school and I was wondering if I should start to learn some basic skills now? Also, what should I do if I have no experience and don’t have a farm?
Not a bad idea Han. My suggestion would be to find a part time internship on a farm near you to start learning about farming. You can use http://www.localharvest.org to find nearby farms. Many of them will be interested in internships and teaching.