Are you interested in:
- Learning how to grow healthy food for yourself or your community?
- Working in the sustainable food sector?
- Starting your own small farm or food microenterprise?
- Alternative farming, urban agriculture?
- Applying for USDA funds to start a small farm or project?
- Do you belong and want to improve Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) communities?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, this opportunity is just for you!
The Agroecology, Farming & Food Pathways (AFFP) program offers two interactive online courses to explore a career in agriculture and earn a Certificate in Applied Agroecology.
In partnership with Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (MESA), we will be offering a 3-month program that includes guest presentations, hands-on farm training, local farm visits, and a chance to connect and build community with other motivated emerging farmers.
Successful completion of the courses provides an opportunity to be selected for a 3 - 6 month farm/agricultural apprenticeship. This includes 1:1 mentorship, training, and access to land to apply the skills and knowledge from the introductory and advanced courses in agroecology. Motivated individuals will be supported to apply for USDA funding for their own farm or agricultural microenterprise.
Join Spring 2021 Cohort!
We are currently recruiting for the 2nd cohort of emerging farmers!
Cohort 2
Spring Semester Dates:
- February 17, 2021 to April 7, 2021
- Classes will be on Wednesday From 3 PM to 5 PM via Zoom
Cohort 2
Summer Semester Dates:
TBD
Topics:
- Food Sovereignty
- Food Systems
- Participatory Action
- Land Defense
- Agroecological Practices
- Sustainable Agroecosystems
Expectations:
Conversations: Be prepared to have a discussion that involves your experience, thoughts, and beliefs. We are expecting for everyone in the class to treat others with respect as we may have some uncomfortable conversations about environmental justice, colonialism, and more.
- Final Project: You will be expected to put together a community action plan with all the knowledge and skills you acquire during the course. This will be theoretical, so we are not asking you to perform but rather plan. It will not be extensive, but rather a presentation of your original idea.
- Assignments: They will not be extensive, but rather thought-provoking
- Commitment: Even though this class will be offered at no cost to you, there are important investments towards this project. Please acknowledge that there will be 2-hours sessions, discussions, assignments, and a final project.
- Co-learning space: This is meant for you to enjoy acquiring new skills and information. The instructors are always open to questions, suggestions, and to listen to your concerns. This is a co-learning space.
Program cost:
- $0 for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (including Hispanic, Asian Americans, and other minorities), immigrants, refugees, and veterans.
Enrollment:
Application Deadline: February 1, 2021
Click on the link to enroll: http://mesaprogram.org/take-action/train/
For questions, please contact csun@mesaprogram.org