Organic Farmer Training Program Accepting Applications

Posted on December 10, 2018 by Taylor in Beginning Farmers, Farming Resources, Mentoring, Organic, Training Programs // 0 Comments

The MSU Organic Farmer Training Program is Accepting Applications for 2019

Please share with beginning farmers, or farm employees and volunteers seeking to get into farming in urban or rural settings…

Organic Farmer Training Program

The Organic Farmer Training Program 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 Organic Farmer Training Program is a vibrant, diverse and positive learning community where students learn from each other and can share their unique skills, experience and goals. For more info, visit the Organic Farmer Training Program Website or email your questions to msufarm@msu.edu.

The Organic Farmer Training Program can only accept 23 participants this 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

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 (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.
~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.

Learn more about all beginning farmer training programs at https://www.beginningfarmers.org/beginning-farmer-training-programs/

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