Program Description

The Organic Farmer Training Program is a 9 month intensive training program in year round organic farming focusing on diversified production of vegetables, flowers, fruits, and herbs for local markets, Students engage in the management of the 10 acre certified organic farm including passive solar greenhouses used for year round production in cold climates and heated only by the sun. Students also engage in the management of SOF garden and field production for the farm? Primary markets, including a 48 week CSA, 6 month on campus farm stand, and sales to campus dinning services. Students develop competencies in farm skills through skills trainings and by engaging in the day to day work and operation of the farm. Hands-on training is combined with workshops, lectures, reading, and assignments that build participants? Knowledge and understanding of organic farming principles and practices. The program is management, and decision making skills necessary to operate a diversified small farm. Program participants include new and beginning farer, urban and community farmers and gardeners, educators, and those interested in local or organic agriculture.

Space is limited, Application review begins Sept 1.

For more information visit www.msuorganicfarm.org or contact them at [log in to unmask] (517) 230-7987, for full program description and application.


The 2nd annual “Berries & Bubbly” fundraising event for the Garden Project will take place, September 27, 2009, 3 pm - 5 pm, at Swallowtail Farm, 1633 Hagadorn Rd. Mason, MI. There are three sponsorship levels, Sustainer - $500, Cultivator - $250, Planter - $100. Please visit www.michiganorganic.msu.edu for detailed description of sponsorship levels and donation form.

The Greater Lansing Food Bank’s Garden Project program is dedicated to developing a healthier food system in the Greater Lansing area. They create gardening opportunities by providing land, physical resources, services and educational support to community members so they can grow, harvest, prepare and preserve their own vegetables and fruits. The food grown through the efforts of the Garden Project helps many community members from going hungry. In 2008 The Garden Project worked with 2,500 individuals through home and community garden programs. Gleaning operations gathered 250,000 pounds of fresh produce from area farms. Visit http://lansingfoodbank.org/garden-project to learn more about what the Greater Lansing Food Bank’s Garden Project does.