Applications for

Farmer Starter Spring 2021 are now closed

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Fall 2021 Applications will open March 1st, 2021

Student schedule:

• Students meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:30am to 4:00pm.

• Mornings are spent in the field with the Farm Manager getting valuable hands-on experience and growing food for our Mobile Markets.

• Afternoons are spent in the classroom with the Education Director learning the science and business of farm management, or on field trips to see a variety of farming practices.

• Students spend an additional 4 to 6 hours per season with Farmshare Staff at a Mobile Market to learn the ins and outs of direct marketing and Farmers' Market sales.

• Class size: 8 students maximum.​

Application process:

• Applications are reviewed by the Education Director, who will follow up to schedule an interview and farm tour.

• Upon acceptance to the program, you may choose to apply for needs based financial aid. 

Tuition, room & board:

• Tuition is $3,000.

• Farmshare is committed to supporting students who have financial barriers to entering farming by offering need-based scholarships and work share programs as financial aid. Upon acceptance to the program you will be invited to apply for financial aid.

• Scholarships are also available through CCOF’s Future Organic Farmer Grant  or the National Young Farmer Grant Program 

Accommodation:

• Limited accommodation is available on a first come first served basis for an additional $1,500 for the 20 weeks. Accommodations include a full size bed in a loft in our farmhouse, full kitchen and shared bath.

Skills desired:

• Applicants should have a passion for local food production and organic agriculture.

• Previous farm or garden experience is preferred but not necessary.

• Candidates must demonstrate a strong desire to learn about small-scale, sustainable agriculture.

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Additional considerations:

• Students should be prepared to make a full season commitment and participate in all activities for the duration of the program.

• Students must be comfortable and capable of performing strenuous physical work in a variety of conditions.

• Students provide their own transportation to and from the farm.

• We’re sorry but we cannot accommodate pets at this time.

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Please contact education@farmshareaustin.org with questions about the program: 

Farmer Starter is supported by Southern SARE: Supporting the family farm, promoting conservation, and strengthening communities through sustainable agriculture strategies.