GROWING NEW FARMERS Lowcountry Local First (LLF) established Growing New Farmers (GNF) as a vehicle to train new farmers and food system leaders. Within the program are three phases, intended to serve beginner farmers with varying levels and include the Sustainable Agriculture Certificate, Dirt Works Incubator Farm and Farm Match. Sustainable Agriculture Certificate & Apprenticeship Goal: To provide a practical, introductory production and business training and education for South Carolina’s next generation of diverse, small-to-mid-sized farmers and community food system leaders. Program: In the five-month introductory-level certificate program, participants explore their interest in agriculture as they receive experiential, hands-on learning in the field and curriculumbased instruction in a traditional classroom setting. This includes coursework, field trips, workshops, and regular field days on the 1 acre teaching acre within Dirt Works Incubator Farm. Graduates receive a Certificate of Sustainable Agriculture from the College of Charleston. Participates also have the option for the opportunity to be matched with a local farmer for “apprenticeship” to gain hands-on experience on a local farm relevant to their interests. Openings are limited and hours/payment are determined by mentor farmer. Cost: $25 application processing fee, and $2,000 program fee*. Limited financial aid and monthly payment plans are available. Program Dates: May 18th – November 20th 2015 (includes a break from late July through August) **Application deadline is March 13th 2015** (no late applications or rolling admissions - commitment to attend the entire program is required) Program Highlights: • • • • • • Max. class enrollment of 20 participants (18 years old+); Core concepts covered including soil health, greenhouses and seeding, cover cropping, pest & disease management, irrigation, crop planning and rotation, food safety and good agricultural practices (GAP) certification, budgeting and record keeping, growing for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), wholesale, direct, and farmers markets, cultivation/weed management, season extension options, business planning and organic certification; Minimum weekly time commitment required is 8 hours: one (3-hour) evening class with instruction and discussion + one (4-hour) morning on the farm working with guided supervision, or a field trip) and 1 hour min. required reading per week. A program binder is provided for all participants, complete with curriculum, scheduling, required reading assignments, suggested mentor questions and relevant local resources; Lowcountry Growers Groups—these monthly trainings are created for local, established farmers, new farmers and apprentices in the region. Learning and open discussion; Potential participation in workshops, events, and classes outside of the program. * Please note: we do not provide housing, food or transportation. Upon admission to the program, a limited number of participants are screened and matched with a potential mentor farmer (trial period in April); this optional component is in addition to the core educational program. LLF assists in the “match” recommendation, but cannot control the work environment, duration, hours, content learned or management of the apprentice or the mentor. Thanks for your interest! We look forward to hearing from you. Please submit application and direct any questions to: [email protected] Applications will only be processed when the application fee has been submitted. Check out our website at: http://lowcountrylocalfirst.org/initiatives/eat-local/farmer-education-outreach/growing-newfarmers/become-an-apprentice In the words of our graduates: “I can honestly say that I learn something new each and every day that I am on the farm and for that I am very appreciative.” “In addition to the work I did at Joseph Fields, the classes, meetings, and networking that were made available were invaluable.” "Awesome experience in this program. Participating has opened a vast network of resources in the local food movement in Charleston and given me the know-how and confidence to take the next step in pursuing a career in Farm-to-School work.”