Beginning Farmer-Training
Program Accepting 2014 Students
The Center for Land-Based Learning,
dedicated to creating the next generation of farmers and
teaching California’s youth about the importance of agriculture and watershed
conservation is getting ready for it's third California
Farm Academy class beginning in February 2014. The Farm Academy still has a few spots available.
The California Farm Academy, a
one-of-a-kind beginning farmer-training program, was
established to inspire and motivate people of all ages, especially youth, to
promote a healthy interplay between agriculture, nature and society through
their own actions and as leaders in their communities.
Admission requirements include:
- A strong desire to become a
specialty crop farmer
- A commitment to participate in 7-10
hours of training per week, and
- Transportation to attend classes
near Winters, CA and at other nearby locations.
- Some previous experience with
farming is preferred. Classes and activities are conducted in English
The program provides approximately
270 contact hours from Feb. 11th to Sep.
13th, 2014, including classes, hands-on experience, one-on-one
consultations, farm visits and field trips. Printed curriculum materials are
provided, as are the necessary machinery, tools and supplies for the
activities. Partial tuition assistance may be available for admitted applicants
who demonstrate financial need.
Another CLBL program, FARMS
(Farming, Agriculture, and Resource Management for Sustainability) Leadership
Program, provides innovative, hands-on experiences to urban, suburban and rural
youth at working farms, agri-businesses and universities. Participants develop
leadership skills and learn about agriculture practices that contribute to a
healthier ecosystem, and connect to agricultural, environmental, and food
system careers.
CLBL envisions a world where there
is meaningful appreciation and respect for our natural environment and for the
land that produces our food and sustains our quality of life. CLBL Founder,
Craig McNamara was awarded the 2012 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. He is also President, California State Board of Food and Agriculture.
Labels: Beginning Farmer-Training Program, California Ag New, California Ag Today, Center for Land-Based Learning, Craig McNamara CLBL, Passing the Hoe: California Farm Academy