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*Deadline for Applications – February 1, 2015*

Michigan State University is sponsoring a farm incubator on the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan. This program focuses on diverse vegetable production
in cold climates, relying on season extension and cold storage. If you know
of a beginning farmer that is interested in starting a farm where season
extension is a backbone of production, please send him/her our way. See
listing below:


The North Farm at the Michigan State University Upper Peninsula Research
and Extension Center in Chatham, MI is now accepting applications for three
new “Apprentice” farmers. This incubator program is designed to support new
farmers launch a successful farm business by providing resources and
support including access to land, infrastructure, market development and
on-farm technical advising.

The North Farm at the Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center is an
incubator farm that specializes in diversified organic vegetable production
and season extension in northern climates. The North Farm is located in
Chatham, MI in the central UP, and close to markets in Marquette, Munising
and beyond. There is a growing demand for fresh produce in the Upper
Peninsula, and the North Farm will assist Apprentice Farmers in developing
their markets. This program is open to individual farmers, as well as
farming couples/partnerships.

The North Farm Apprentice Farmer Program is designed to reduce the barriers
of access (such as land acquisition, business management experience, and
growing skills) for beginning farmers who are interested in starting their
own farm business. Three apprentice farmers will be selected to begin the
two-year program in the spring of 2015. While technical assistance is
available, the apprenticeship is not a training program. This opportunity
is ideal for a farmer who has a significant amount of farming experience
and is ready to take the next steps towards launching their own farm
business in a northern climate.


*Apprentice Farmers Will Receive:*

   - Access to organically managed land – 1/4 acre plot for the first year,
   1/2 acre for the second year.
   - Access to shared infrastructure – storage space, walk-in cooler, root
   cellar, hoophouse space, washing/packing shed
   - Access to equipment and tools
   - Mentorship from the North Farm staff and other stakeholders
   - Opportunities to network with other area growers and food enthusiasts
   - Opportunities to participate in competency-based workshops and
   trainings
   - Optional housing at the North Farm
   - Assistance in developing a transition plan off the North Farm after
   the two-year program


*Cost of Participation*

   - $700 per growing season for land and resources.
   - Optional on-farm housing provided at $175 per month.
   - Optional custom tractor work as needed is also available for a small
   fee.



For more information, please visit
http://www.msunorthfarm.org/apprentice-farmer-program.html.


Donny Comer
Graduate Research Assistant
Community Sustainability Department
Michigan State University

Founder and Executive Director
The GROW Initiative
www.growinitiative.org
517.648.8222