Home » Eco-Agriculture Reference Desk Eco-Agriculture Reference Desk We’ve gathered a huge list of resources for beginning and new farmers to help them succeed in their eco-agriculture business. These resources may prove very helpful for experienced farmers, as well! Information about building an agriculture business, farming methods, beginning farmer grants, beginning farmer loans, farming how-tos, farming educational groups, new farmer training programs and much more are available below. Want more learning resources? Let us know what else you’d like to learn by writing to us here. Training Programs Ready to take the next step in your agricultural education and experience? Find a helpful new farmer training program in the list below that suits you. Agricultural and Land Based Training Programhttp://www.albafarmers.org/ALBA Headquarters: Rural Development Center, P.O. Box 6264, Salinas, CA 93912831-758-2012 ALBA’s mission is to create economic opportunity for limited-resource and aspiring organic farmers through land-based education in the heart of the Salinas Valley using a five-year Farmer Education and Enterprise Development (FEED) program. Angelic Organics Learning Center – Farmer Training Initiativehttps://www.learngrowconnect.org/farmerAngelic Organics Learning Center, 1545 Rockton Rd, Caledonia IL, 61011815-389-8455info@familyfarmed.org The Farmer Training Initiative supports and serves prospective, beginning and experienced farmers through training in business planning, financial management and regenerative agricultural practices. Their commitment is to work with those who wish to become sustainable and organic agricultural farmers or growers. Beginner Farmer Networkhttp://www.bfnmass.org/Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy, 150 Harrison Ave, Rm. 256, Boston, MA 02111nesfp@tufts.edu The Beginning Farmer Network of Massachusetts is dedicated to beginning farmer success in MA. The website is includes a searchable Resource Map, Resource Finder, Referral Network, state-wide calendar of beginning farmer events, a jobs/internships posting board, etc. Coordinated by the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project. FARMroots’ Beginning Farmer Programhttps://www.grownyc.org/farmroots/nfdGrowNYC, PO Box 2327, New York NY 10272212-788-7900 FARMroots’ Beginning Farmer Program identifies, educates, and supports aspiring farmers with agricultural experience to establish their own economically and environmentally sustainable farm businesses in the NYC region. Farmshare Austinhttps://www.farmshareaustin.org/3608 River Rd, Cedar Creek, TX 78612512-337-2211info@farmshareaustin.org An 18-week immersive farming classes and one-time continuing education classes for current farmers. Central Texas Young Farmers Coalitionhttp://www.centraltexasyoungfarmers.org/ The Central Texas Young Farmer Coalition seeks to build connections between young farmers throughout the state in an effort to increase food awareness, encourage the exchange of ideas, and create synergistic relationships. This site is a list of farming resources in Texas. CRAFT Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Traininghttp://www.craftfarmer.org/p/farmer-training-resources.htmlcraft@learngrowconnect.org The Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training is a farmer-led coalition organized by sustainable agriculture farmers in a self-selected geographic region. Participating farmers help prepare the next generation of farmers. Eco City Farms Beginning Farmer Training Programhttp://www.ecoffshoots.org/education/beginning-farmer-training-program/Eco City Farms, 6010 Taylor Road, Riverdale, MD 20737301-288-1125info@ecocityfarms.org This program is designed to help an aspiring, new, or beginning farmer learn the skills needed to farm. It includes comprehensive practical hands-on experiences, one-on-one mentoring, and a curriculum that includes crop production, resource management, and business and administrative skills. Family Farmed Farmer Traininghttps://familyfarmed.org/farmer-training/FamilyFarmed, 225 W. Hubbard, Suite 650, Chicago, IL 60654312-874-7360info@familyfarmed.org A comprehensive program designed to help small and mid-acreage fruit and vegetable farmers grow their businesses. Farm Beginnings Collaborativehttp://farmbeginningscollaborative.org/Angelic Organics Learning Center, 1545 Rockton Rd, Caledonia IL, 61011815-389-8455info@familyfarmed.org Farm Beginnings Collaborative is a national alliance that includes 13 organizations with programs serving beginning farmers in 14 states. A year-long training program offers farm business-planning, on-farm field day workshops, and mentoring from area farmers. Michigan State University Center for Regional Food SystemsMichigan Organic Farming Exchange – New Farmershttps://www.canr.msu.edu/michigan_organic_farming_exchange/education/new-farmers480 Wilson Road, Natural Resources Building, East Lansing, MI 48824517-353-3535CRFS@anr.msu.edu Rachel Kelly, Program Coordinator FARRMS Farm Beginningshttp://www.farrms.org/learn-updateFARRMS, PO Box 22, Tuttle ND 58488, USA701-867-2921info@farrms.org Farm Beginnings® is geared towards anyone currently farming or interested in farming and ranching who wants to plan a profitable, sustainable farm and ranch business. The classes are led by experienced farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals. Heartbeat Learning Gardens Farmer Training Programwww.heartbeatgardens.wordpress.com/programs/trainingHeartbeat Learning Gardens, PO Box 831, Yellow Springs OH 45387937-767-0223heartbeatgardens@gmail.com The farmer training program is an immersion experience in simplicity, cooperation, and sustainable agriculture. From mid-April to mid-October, participants engage in formal study and hands-on training while living in simple accommodations at the farm. National Young Farmers Coalitionwww.youngfarmers.orgNational Young Farmers Coalition, PO Box 1074, Hudson NY 12534518-643-3564info@youngfarmers.org NYFC was founded by and for a new generation of farmers in the United States. They work in coalition with farmers, consumers, organizations, and government to tackle the many challenges that young, independent, and sustainable farmers face in their first years operating a farm business. New Entry Sustainable Farming Project – Farming Traininghttps://nesfp.org/farmer-trainingNew Entry Sustainable Farming Project 45 Merrimack St., 5th Floor, Lowell MA 01852978-654-6745justin.chase@tufts.edu New Entry’s farmer training programs help new and prospective farmers learn what it takes to run a small farm operation, from the very basics to the intricacies of business planning and farm management.Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Beginning Farmerhttp://www.nofa.org/beginningfarmer.phpNortheast Organic Farming Association, 411 Sheldon Road, Barre MA 01005203-308-2584 web@nofa.org Beginner Farmer Programming is a coordinated regional effort. The chapters of NOFA aim to attract farmers to the Northeast to learn to farm and to provide the environment for this to happen. Each chapter administers distinct programming to meet the educational and networking needs within their state. Serves Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Organic Growers School Year-long Farm Beginnings® Farmer Training Programhttps://organicgrowersschool.org/farmers/farm-beginnings/ Farm Beginnings® helps build skills through 12 months of farmer-led training, mentoring, and networking including farmer-led classroom sessions, on-farm tours, and an extensive farmer network to help clarify goals and strengths, establish a strong enterprise plan, and start building a profitable and sustainable operation. Plan Your Farmhttp://smallfarms.cornell.edu/plan-your-farm/Cornell Small Farms Program, 15A Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853607-255-9227smallfarmsprogram@cornell.edu This portal provides tutorials, videos, and links to people who can help develop farm plans. Work through the following topics in order and for a solid foundation to start a farm business. Complete online worksheets in each tutorial and create a farm plan. Rodale institute Organic Farming Programhttp://www.delval.edu/continuing-and-professional-studies/credit-certificate-programs/organic-farming-programRodale Institute, 700 E Butler Ave., Doylestown PA 18901Program Inquiries and Admission contact – Stephanie Morace215-489-2904stephanie.morace@delval.edu The Organic Farming Program is a 36-credit, one-year certificate program offered through a partnership between Delaware Valley University and Rodale Institute. Soil Association — Future Growershttps://www.soilassociation.org/futuregrowers/Soil Association, 3rd Floor, Osborne House, 1 Osborne Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5HG, United Kingdom44-131-666-2474 The Future Growers program provides a six-month course of farm-based training events available to any aspiring grower. It includes field trips and educational seminars. The Greenhornshttps://greenhorns.org/The Greenhorns,HQ, 767 Leighton Point Rd. Pembroke ME 04666office@thegreenhorns.net The Greenhorns is a grassroots organization that recruits, promotes and supports the rising generation of new farmers in America via a radio show, documentary films, almanacs, anthologies, mix-tapes, posters, guidebooks and digital maps. Resources Lists While we hope to provide all of the information you need to be a successful eco-farmer, we know that we still have a lot of ground to cover. So, we’ve compiled a list of resources for beginning and new farmers that offers information about farming organizations, educational opportunities, news, training, apprenticeships and events in the eco- sustainable- and organic agriculture community. ATTRA — Resources for Beginning Farmershttps://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/local_food/startup.htmlATTRA (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas)National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, P.O. Box 3838, Butte MT 59702800-346-9140 The links on this page include internship programs, how to earn practical farming skills, evaluate farmland, choose a farming enterprise or business structure, develop a marketing plan, write a business plan, and get the financing. Beginning Farmers.org – Resources Compilationhttps://www.beginningfarmers.org/beginning-farmers/ BeginningFarmers.org is a comprehensive compilation of information resources on farm financing, finding land, business planning, agricultural production and marketing, and much more. This is a national resource list for beginning farmers. Central Texas Young Farmers Organizationhttps://www.facebook.com/CentralTexasYoungFarmers/ Information listserve, monthly meetups, workshops, and more! EcoFarmingDaily.comhttp://ecofarmingdaily.comAcres U.S.A.P.O. Box 1690, Greeley, CO 80632 Free articles from Acres U.S.A. from credible agronomists, scientists and farmers about eco-agriculture. Farm Aid — Resources for Beginning Farmershttps://www.farmaid.org/our-work/resources-for-farmers/farmer-resource-guides/beginning-farmers-farm-aid-resource-guide/Farm Aid, 501 Cambridge Street, Third Floor, Cambridge, MA 02141800-327-6243farmhelp@farmaid.org If you’re considering a career in farming, these resources will provide a general overview of how to get started, where to gain experience, and who can help. Food Tank – 10 Financial Resources for New & Beginning Farmershttps://foodtank.com/news/2015/05/ten-financial-resources-for-new-and-beginning-farmers/Food Tank: The Food Think Tank, 317 Royal St #4, New Orleans, LA 70130 This website features a list of resources to aid new and beginning farmers in the U.S. MOSES New Organic Stewardshttps://mosesorganic.org/projects/new-organic-stewardsMidwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service, PO Box 339, Spring Valley, WI 54767715-778-5775info@mosesorganic.org New Organic Stewards (NOS) is a hub to connect to farming peers, get training on specific production practices, learn how to manage your farm’s finances, find land, funding, and find farm-related jobs. Oregon State University Beginning Farmershttp://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/beginning-farmers/beginning-farmersSmall Farms Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331smallfarmsprogram@oregonstate.edu An online resource for beginning farmers including a list of events, conferences, news, education, training, apprenticeships, women farmers, etc. Vermont New Farmer Projecthttp://www.uvm.edu/newfarmer/Vermont New Farmer Project, c/o UVM Extension, 327 US Route 301, Barre, VT 05602802-476-2003newfarmer@uvm.edu A website with a links of organizations, services, and educational opportunities for Vermont’s new and aspiring farmers. Includes online and on-the-ground resources that will help start and grow a farm business. Mentorships Are you a new farmer who wants to learn from an experienced farmer? A mentorship or apprenticeship could be perfect for you. Find a mentor with some help from the below resources. Appalachian Sustainable Development — Farmer and Rancher Mentorshiphttp://asdevelop.org/farmers/velopment, 1096 Ole Berry Dr., Ste 100, Abingdon, VA 24210 276-623-1121 The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program seeks to holistically improve start-up opportunities for beginning farmers to establish and sustain viable agricultural operations and communities. Ecological Farming Association Farmer Mentorshttps://eco-farm.org/farmer-mentorsEco Farm, 2901 Park Avenue Suite D, Soquel, CA 95073831-763-2111info@eco-farm.org EcoFarm offers a free mentoring program for apprentices, beginning farmers, and the farm-curious through Santa Cruz CRAFT. MOFGA Journeyperson Programhttp://www.mofga.org/Programs/JourneypersonProgram/tabid/228/Default.aspxMaine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, PO Box 170, Unity, Maine 04988207-568-4142mofga@mofga.org MOFGA’s Journeyperson Program provides hands-on support, training, and mentorship for people who are serious about pursuing careers in organic farming in Maine. Podcasts Our very own Tractor Time is our favorite eco-agriculture podcast, but there are a lot of other wonderful sustainable agriculture podcasts out there that you can learn from. These are some of our favorites. Tractor TimeAcres U.S.A. Hosted by Acres U.S.A. GM Ryan Slabaugh and Acres U.S.A. magazine editor Ben Trollinger, Tractor Time interviews experts in eco-agriculture and replays some of the greatest talks from past Acres U.S.A. lectures and conferences. Each episode contains at least 45 minutes of conversations and ideas to take back to your farm. Regenerative Agriculture Podcasthttp://regenerativeagriculturepodcast.com/John Kempf This is a show for professional growers who want to increase quality and yield. It’s for growers and agronomists who want to learn about the science and principles of regenerative agriculture systems. The Beginner Farmer Showhttp://thebeginningfarmer.com/category/the-beginning-farmer-show/Ethan Book Ethan Book grew up on a quaint little street in Cedar Falls, Iowa, playing with toy tractors on his bedroom floor and pretending to farm with his John Deere pedal tractor in the driveway. Weekends were often spent on his dad’s farm or the farms of his uncles and extended family. As Ethan grew up his dreams of being a farmer faded a little bit, but never truly went away. The Permaculture Podcasthttp://www.thepermaculturepodcast.com/Scott Mann The Permaculture Podcast is a globally respected go-to resource for all things permaculture with over 15,000 listeners per episode. Back to the Rootswww.b2rpodcast.comBryan Wood and Mike Klinecontact@b2rpodcast.com Our goal for this podcast is to connect people with organic farmers across the country, from Amish country in Ohio and Indiana to farmers on the West Coast. Join us as we travel back to the agricultural roots of our childhood and have conversations with farmers whose livelihood is Organic Farming. Beginning Farmer Grants & Loans Find resources for financing, land grants and other resources available for starting farmers. STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT National Young Farmers Coalition – How to Manage Your Student Loans Nowhttp://www.youngfarmers.org/studentloans/repayment/PO Box 1074, Hudson, NY, 12534518-643-3564info@youngfarmers.org Any federal student loan holder can take advantage of an alternative repayment plan that will lower the monthly payments. In addition, if you’re willing to postpone starting your own farm, there are some forgiveness programs that might help with your loans while working in an agriculture-related field. National Young Farmers Coalition – Young Farmers Success Acthttp://www.youngfarmers.org/studentloans/PO Box 1074, Hudson, NY, 12534518-643-3564info@youngfarmers.org Information from the National Young Farmers’ Coalition about amending the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to include farmers. This bill was created and referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on 2/15/17. GRANTS The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/beginning-farmer-and-rancher-development-program-bfrdp400 Independence Ave., SW Mail Stop 2201, Washington, DC 20250-2201202-401-3669karrington@nifa.usda.govContact: Kendra Arrington, Grants Management SpecialistProvides grants to organizations for education, mentoring, and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers or ranchersFarm Aid’s Farmer Resource Networkhttps://www.farmaid.org/our-work/resources-for-farmers/Farm Aid, 501 Cambridge Street, Third Floor Cambridge, MA 02141617-354-2922 from 9 am to 5 pm ESTfarmhelp@farmaid.org – Joe Schroeder, Farm Advocate List of services, resources and opportunities specific to individual farmers’ needs, includes an online assistance request form USDA – Search for a Granthttps://nifa.usda.gov/grants400 Independence Ave., SW Mail Stop 2201, Washington, DC 20250-2201202-401-3669karrington@nifa.usda.govContact: Kendra Arrington, Grants Management Specialist,Explains the grant process; search and apply for grants National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Guide to Grants & Loanshttp://sustainableagriculture.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/NSAC_FoodSystemsFundingGuide_FirstEdition_4_2010.pdf110 Maryland Ave NE # 209, Washington, DC 20002202-547-5754info@sustainableagriculture.net The guide begins with a general overview of the USDA’s structure, followed by descriptions and details of fifteen grants and programs that are relevant to local and regional food systems development. Food Animal Concerns Trust – Fund A Farmer Granthttps://foodanimalconcernstrust.org/grants/3525 West Peterson Ave., Chicago IL 60659773-525-4952grants@foodanimalconcerns.org – Larissa McKenna Grants for projects that improve animal welfare for livestock and poultry farmers who want to obtain humane certification LOANS USDA’s Farm Loan Program for Minority Women Farmers and Ranchershttps://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/minority-and-women-farmers-and-ranchers/indexUSDA, Farm Service Agency; Public Affairs Staff; 1400 Independence Ave., S.W.; STOP 0506; Washington, DC 20250-0506844-872-4681, 8AM – 8PM EST Monday through Friday except federal holidaysContact your state’s office. Find it here: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/indexFrom the USDA: innovative loan products and initiatives to improve its ability to serve traditionally underserved farmers and ranchers USDA Small Farm Funding Resourceshttps://www.nal.usda.gov/ric/small-farm-funding-resourcesNational Agricultural Library, 10301 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705301-504-5755Ask a Question online form: https://www.nal.usda.gov/ask-questionThis guide contains information about issues to consider before starting a farming operation with links to full-text guides on how to start a farm business and develop business and marketing plans. It also contains information about funding programs for beginning and experienced farmers, technical assistance contacts, disaster assistance, and organizations with resources. Farm Credithttps://farmcredit.com/Find an office in your state: https://farmcredit.com/locations202-626-8710ask@farmcredit.comA nationwide network of borrower-owned lending institutions that provide farm loans, rural loans and other ag loans across the U.S. Slow Moneyhttps://slowmoney.org28 groups throughout the United States. Find a group near you: https://slowmoney.org/local-groupsContact them through their online contact form https://slowmoney.org/about/contactThe Slow Money Institute catalyzes the formation of self-organizing local groups, which use a diversity of approaches: public meetings, on-farm events, pitch fests, peer-to-peer loans, investment clubs and, most recently, nonprofit clubs making 0% loans. United States Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agencyhttps://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/USDA, Farm Service Agency; Public Affairs Staff; 1400 Independence Ave., S.W.; STOP 0506; Washington, DC 20250-0506844-872-4681, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST Monday through Friday except federal holidaysHolds loan programs such as Operating Loans, Ownership Loans, and Microloans for beginning farmers. Access to Land Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service – Land Link-uphttps://mosesorganic.org/farming/land-link-up/PO Box 339, Spring Valley, WI 54767715-778-5775info@mosesorganic.orgFree online service to connect farmers who are looking for land with available farmland through an ad posting forum. USDA, FSA – Land Contract Guarantee Programhttps://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/land_contracts.pdfUSDA, Farm Service Agency; Public Affairs Staff; 1400 Independence Ave., S.W.; STOP 0506; Washington, DC 20250-0506844-872-4681, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, except federal holidaysThis program provides a valuable tool to transfer farm real estate to the next generation of farmers and ranchers through two loan guarantee options.