Sow the seeds of resistance with UVM's hands-on, 6-month Farmer Training Program. Work to combat the socio-economic and environmental problems we face, and gain the skills to bring the power back to the people and communities where change is rooted.

Growing local food is a significant way to bring change to an ailing planet and foster healthy communities. UVM’s Farmer Training Program can provide you with the skills to operate a diversified farm that employs sustainable practices, improving soil, water, and air quality, sequestering carbon, and increasing biodiversity. As a participant, you will:

• Experience organic crop production, from seed to market
• Gain a deeper understanding of small-scale farm management
• Learn the entrepreneurial skills to start a farm business
• Work alongside experienced educators and successful, inspiring farmers from the Burlington area, committed to sustainability and increasing production and consumption of local foods
• Earn your Certificate in Sustainable Farming from UVM
• Grow your network of contacts for support and guidance

UVM’s Farmer Training Program is a six-month, hands-on program for aspiring farmers and food-systems advocates that provides experiential, skills-based education in sustainable farming. Students will get a unique and comprehensive education by running all aspects of the 10-acre Catamount Educational Farm, learning from expert farmers and educators in the classroom, and alongside successful, inspiring farmers in the Burlington area. 

Graduates will gain:

• A Certificate in Sustainable Farming from UVM
• Experience in organic crop production, from seed to market
• A deeper understanding of small-scale farm management
• Entrepreneurial skills to start a farm business
• A network of incredible people to provide support and guidance

Who is this program for?

The program is designed for people interested in immersing themselves in sustainable, local food systems in a hands-on educational setting. Candidates include, but are not limited to:  new and beginning farmers, urban and community gardeners, farm educators and students interested in deepening their understanding of sustainable farming systems in an intensive and focused learning environment.

Why Vermont?

Vermont is a national model in alternative food-systems development with its network-based approach. Here you’ll find farmers, food-systems advocates, regional food hubs, policy makers, and community members committed to increasing production and consumption of local foods. Vermont has the highest number of farmers’ markets and CSAs per capita than any state, and it’s consistently ranked among the healthiest, greenest places in the nation. When it comes to local food, Vermont proves what’s possible.

Why is this program important?

Now more than ever we need to sow seeds of resistance. Climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, and food access – are all issues at the forefront of our society. We must combat these socio-economic and environmental problems however we can. Growing local food is one significant way. Small, diversified farms that employ sustainable practices can improve soil, water and air quality, sequester carbon and increase biodiversity. The Farmer Training Program provides you the skills to manage a diversified farm and be that change our planet so desperately needs. Planting those seeds of resistance is the first step to localizing your community’s food system and healing the earth.