The Application Period for the 2026-7 cohort has closed.
​Thank you to everyone who has applied! 

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• ​Join a cohort for a no-cost program with classes in climate adaptive crop & livestock production and production planning, business classes and business plan development. ​

• In-field & classroom learning with local seasoned farmers and experts including multiple farm locations.

• ​Choice of paid internships for hands-on experience or mentorship pairings for support on your own site.

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WHO IT'S FOR
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• Currently working on a farm? 
• Active in a community or food sovereignty garden? 
• In the first few years of your own farm operation?

​This program is designed to train individuals who are or would like to manage or own a farm in the coming years, or have a lead role in a food sovereignty garden.

​Space will prioritize historically underserved farmers and ranchers as defined by the USDA. NCGA and the project partners maintain a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

I would suggest it for any farmer at any stage. As a rookie myself, I appreciated hearing the dialogue between the experienced farmers and the workshop presenters just as much as hearing the dialogue between the beginners and the presenters. I have begun to realize that a farmer is always learning and that even if you know what you are doing, it doesn't hurt to hear how somebody else is doing it.

TIMELINE AND CONTENT

Program curriculum is specific to this region’s unique climate, geography, and markets, with learning opportunities covering a range of agricultural products including vegetables, tree fruits, wine grapes, beef, dairy, quinoa, and dry beans.

Join a cohort of 20 for a 15-month program

• February - April 2026:     1 Intro session, 4 virtual classes and 4 in-field workshops that focus on climate smart agricultural practices, crop and livestock production, and connect beginning farmers and ranchers with existing resources.
  • Intro session and virtual classes will be held on select Mondays at 5:30pm between March 2nd and April 21st, 2026.
  • In-field workshop days will be held on Fridays starting March 1st- April 21st. These are full day workshops. 
• May - August, 2026:   Internships and/or mentorships: Participants will enter one of two tracks. Those who do not yet have land in production may be partnered with an established farm or community garden for a paid internship spanning 3 months. Those already connected with a site may request an internship at that location. If you already have land in production you may be paired with a mentor with whom you will meet 4 hours per month for 3 months to receive feedback and guidance. Ongoing individualized technical assistance in collecting and analyzing soil and water samples provided.
• August 11th, 2026, 5:00pm: Introduction to the Farm Production Plan Assignment
• Aug- Sept 2025:     Farm crop/ livestock production plan development that incorporates climate smart and resilient practices, with individualized support from program instructors.
• Oct-Dec 2026:     Farm business training series prepares participants to finance and manage their agricultural enterprises and enter new markets (6 classes). 
• Jan- Feb 2027:    Create your business plan with a local North Coast Small Business Development Center (SBDC) business advisor
• March 2027:    Program completion and final cohort gathering.

This training program recognizes that national, state and local agricultural services have historically underserved people of color, Indigenous and Native American people, immigrants, undocumented people, people whose first language is not English, women, LGBTQI+ people, and people with disabilities, and therefore strives to operate an actively anti-racist program that reduces critical barriers for, and prioritizes, historically underserved populations of farmers. 

Instructors and farmer speakers will reflect the ethnic, gender, age and other categories of diversity of our regional farming population.

LOCATIONS

Locations for workshops and hands-on technical assistance over the 15 month program will be spread across the region at various farm and/or community garden locations in Humboldt and Del Norte counties, and will rotate to ensure each participant receives exposure to a wide variety of production practices and farm management approaches. Classroom workshops and activities will take place at locations including NCGA Harvest Hub classroom facility in Arcata, and the Humboldt County Agricultural Center in Eureka, and the Innovation Hub in Arcata. 

Locations for internships will include commercial farms as well as Tribal and community garden sites within Humboldt and Del Norte counties, based on the interests of program participants.

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As I am new to farming, everything I have learned from these workshops is valuable. The classroom part of the workshops ... were very nice and loaded with great information, but actually being on the farm for the summer workshops was awesome. Being able to see how everything goes together in a real-life setting was invaluable.

I loved every minute of the program

FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR PARTICIPANTS​

• No cost to apply or participate. 
• Stipends provided to support some travel. $500 available for Humboldt residents and $700 is available for Del Norte residents. 
• Option of paid internship (stipend) on local farms for up to 100 hours. Stipend amounts up to $2,000 depending on hours committed. ​
• To receive program stipends, a W9 must be submitted. 
  
• Funds distributed upon completion.

This program was absolutely beneficial and will help me layout the road map that I plan to follow in developing my farm. It could not have come at a better time for me. I think the single most beneficial element is the fact that I now have a better sense of the direction I will follow in developing my farm. The move toward Climate Resilience is a smart move.

HOW TO APPLY

The application period is currently OPEN
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Application Timeline: ​

• September 23rd, 2025: Cohort 2 Application Opens
• November 15th, 2025 Cohort 2 Application Closes
• Dec 1st - Dec 31st, 2026: Application Review Period
• January 1st, 2026: Applicants accepted. Polls sent to participants collect info for final scheduling details
• January 15th, 2026: Final class schedule sent to participants   

​If you have questions about the application review process feel free to reach out any time to the contacts listed below. 

Want to learn more? Read the KRCR article here:

Program Key Staff, Humboldt:
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Lauren Picone, Agricultural Programs Coordinator
North Coast Growers' Association
[email protected] 

Ivy North, Agricultural Programs Director
North Coast Growers' Association
[email protected] ​

Eddie Tanner, Program Educator

Program Key Staff, Del Norte:
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Andrea Lanctot, Executive Director
DNATL Food Council
[email protected]

Iya Mayhan, Program Director
DNATL Food Council
​[email protected]

Javier Gomez,  Agricultural Program Manager
DNATL Food Council ​
[email protected]

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​This program is provided as a collaboration between NCGA and valuable partners including Del Norte & Tribal Lands Community Food Council , North Coast SBDC and others. Special thanks for UC Cooperative Extension for development support in 2024 and 2025. This program is currently funded by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. ​