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.
Not ready yet? Another round of training will be offered in 2025-2026.
Not ready yet? Another round of training will be offered in 2025-2026.
Who It's for
- 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 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.
Timeline and content
Timeline & 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
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.
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
- Jan- March 2025: 4 classroom and 3 in-field workshops that focus on climate smart agricultural practices, crop and livestock production, and connect beginning farmers and ranchers with existing resources. Individualized technical assistance in interpreting soil test results so that participants can better manage the soil resource.
- April-July 2025: 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.
- Aug- Sept 2025: Farm crop/ livestock production plan development that incorporates climate smart and resilient practices, with individualized support from program instructors.
- Oct-Dec 2025: Farm business training series prepares participants to finance and manage their agricultural enterprises and enter new markets (6 classes over 3 days).
- Jan- Feb 2026: Create your business plan with a local North Coast Small Business Development Center (SBDC) business advisor
- March 2026: 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.
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.
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.
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. Most workshop sites will be located in Humboldt county.
Option of paid internships on local farms for up to 100 hours. Stipend amounts up to $2,000 depending on hours committed.
Funds distributed upon completion.
Stipends provided to support some travel. $500 available for Humboldt residents and $700 is available for Del Norte residents. Most workshop sites will be located in Humboldt county.
Option of paid internships on local farms for up to 100 hours. Stipend amounts up to $2,000 depending on hours committed.
Funds distributed upon completion.
For More Information
Optional Zoom Q&A Sessions
Use the buttons below to join us at the day/ time noted:
Use the buttons below to join us at the day/ time noted:
For questions about the application process contact NCGA:
For questions about program content/ internships, contact UCCE:
Eddie Tanner, Specialty Crops & Horticulture Advisor
Humboldt and Del Norte Counties University of California Cooperative Extension [email protected] |
This is created as a collaboration between NCGA, UC Cooperative Extension and Del Norte & Tribal LandsCommunity Food Council and other partners. This program is funded by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.
This is created as a collaboration between NCGA, UC Cooperative Extension and Del Norte & Tribal LandsCommunity Food Council and other partners. This program is funded by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.