Groundswell's Sustainable Farming Certificate Program & Summer Practicum

The Groundswell Center for Food and Farming

Groundswell's Sustainable Farming Certificate Program
New farmer training program offers 100 hours of instruction, April to November

Groundswell is thrilled to announce the launch of our new hands-on training program for serious aspiring farmers and market gardeners. Beginning April 15 and running through November 15, the program provides 100 hours of classroom training, hands-on workshops, farm visits, and supervised work experience on sustainable farms. Instruction is provided by outstanding farmer mentors and subject matter experts from across the region.

Our flexible curriculum is geared for both entry-level trainees and more experienced beginning farmers and interns who want to deepen their knowledge of sustainable production practices and the science behind those practices. Trainees can choose to concentrate their studies on the management of vegetables, fruits, livestock, or poultry, or pursue a diversified curriculum. Each trainee will have an individualized Learning Contract, and will be evaluated on the basis of that contract before being awarded a certificate of completion. The April-November curriculum focuses on sustainable production systems and exposes trainees to a variety of successful small farm management models. A separate certificate program will be offered in the winter with a focus on business planning, management and marketing.

Groundswell is committed to the vision of a regionally self-reliant food system that provides good food and economic opportunities for everyone. We're working hard to make the program a welcoming one for trainees from diverse cultural, racial, and economic backgrounds. Minority, new immigrant and limited-resource trainees are especially encouraged to apply. Most classes will be held evenings and weekends to accommodate folks with job, family or farm responsibilities.

Tuition for the 2011 Sustainable Farming Certificate Program is just $600, and substantial scholarship support is offered. Our online application form will be available February 1. In the meantime, let us know of your interest by sending an email to info@groundswellcenter.org.

Groundswell’s New Farmer Training Program is offered in collaboration with Finger Lakes CRAFT and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, and is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2010-49400-21799.

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SUMMER PRACTICUM IN SUSTAINABLE FARMING & LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS

8-week intensive runs June 1 - July 25

Once again we're pleased to offer our unique Summer Practicum in Sustainable Farming and Local Food Systems in cooperation with the Environmental Studies Program at Tompkins Cortland Community College. The class meets for three full days each week to explore the issues affecting sustainability of agriculture and food systems through readings, discussion, lectures, field trips, labs, and immersion in the actual work of operating a successful and sustainable small farm.

Students will spend most Mondays working and learning at West Haven Farm at EcoVillage. Farm Manager Todd McLane provides instruction in a variety of sustainable farming practices, from crop cultivation to pest and weed control, to harvest, post-harvest handling and record-keeping. On Wednesdays, the class meets at one of EcoVillage's comfortable Common Houses to interact with a stellar line-up of guest speakers from Cornell, Ithaca College, TC3, and the local community. On Fridays we hit the road and visit more local farms, food businesses, and community organizations for a close-up look at Ithaca's vibrant local food system.

We encourage students and community members from diverse cultural, racial, and economic backgrounds to consider being part of the 2011 Summer Practicum. Substantial scholarship support is available for limited resource students.

Tuition for those enrolling through TC3 (in ENVS-149) is $834 for New York State residents, $1,728 for nonresidents, plus a lab fee of $250. Tuition for non-credit students enrolling directly through Groundswell is $850, which includes the lab fee. To apply, send an email to info@groundswellcenter.org and we'll direct you to our online application form.

Scholarship support provided by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2010-49400-21799.