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*Apply for the 2016 Organic Farmer Training Program!*

*March 7th- November 18th*


*Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply
today! *


The Organic Farmer Training Program offers nine months of intensive
instruction in year-round organic farming. The program focuses on
diversified production of vegetables, livestock, flowers, fruits, and herbs
for local markets.  Participants manage all aspects of a 15-acre certified
organic farm, including passive solar greenhouses used for year-round
production in cold climates. Participants also manage the Student Organic
Farm's field and hoophouse production, use equipment, create business and
production plans for their future farm businesses, travel around the state
to visit dozens of other farm and food businesses, create enterprise
budgets, and engage in direct marketing of produce. Produce is grown for
the farm’s primary markets, including a 48-week CSA, seven-month on-campus
farm stand, and sales to campus dining services.



Participants develop competencies in farm skills and business planning
through skills trainings, individual advising meetings and engagement in
the daily operation of the farm. Hands-on training is combined with
workshops, lectures, readings and assignments that build participants’
knowledge and understanding of organic farming principles and practices.
The program is designed to give participants a strong background in
production skills, as well as the knowledge, management, and
decision-making skills necessary to operate a diversified small farming
business.



*Scholarships available! *

*Merit and need-based scholarships* are made possible by funds raised at
our annual Hoophouse Gala, sponsored by MSU Residential and Hospitality
Services. We are proud and excited to be able to offer these scholarships
in order to decrease barriers to training for new and beginning farmers.





Visit our website for full program description and application:
http://www.msuorganicfarm.org/organic-farmer-training-program.html
<http://www.msuorganicfarm.org/organic-farmer-training-program.html>



Contact us at:

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517-230-7987



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