New Farm Apprenticeship Program combines classroom education with on-farm training to help those interested in becoming farmers.
| Media Contact: Nick Kordsmei | nkordsme@uark.edu | 479-575-6368 |
Oct. 29, 2019
New apprenticeship program opens doors for aspiring farmers
By Nick Kordsmeier
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast facts
- New farm apprenticeship program in northwest Arkansas begins in 2020
- Mentor farms to provide hands-on experience for those considering farming as a career
- Register online at ly/AAES-FarmerApprenticeship
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Aspiring farmers can learn the ins and outs of farming in a new on-farm apprenticeship program beginning January 2020.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is now accepting applications for a unique learning opportunity aimed at individuals considering farming as a career. This farmer apprenticeship program, managed by the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food, gives future farmers a first-hand look at farm life, said Heather Friedrich, program manager in the horticulture department.
The CAFF is a multi-disciplinary partnership operated through the division’s research arm, the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. The apprenticeship program is key to CFFSE’s mission to strengthen the food and farming system through experiential learning opportunities, Friedrich said.
The program matches future farmers with successful, full-time-farming mentors for a 10-month to two-year program. It will combine classroom learning with hands-on work on successful farms, Friedrich said.
Friedrich said the farm apprenticeship program is designed for individuals who have some experience growing food crops but need additional training before starting a farm business of their own.
“We’re looking for people who are seriously contemplating food production for local and regional markets as a profession,” Friedrich said. “Ideally, those coming into the program will have some experience in food production, either from other farms, backyard gardening or education.”
Participants will begin in a classroom setting, building a foundation of basic farming skills and knowledge. Depending on individual goals and information gathered during the application process, Friedrich said, each apprentice applicant will be matched with one or more potential farm mentors for an initial interview. Before coming to a final agreement, farm mentors and apprentices may choose to have an on-farm workday to test out their working relationship.
Recent Comments