Farmer Training Workshops

Beginning farmers learn about bio-intensive growing practices in use at City Farm.

Hands-on training and technical assistance is designed for both beginning vegetable and livestock farmers.

Topics include:

  • crop planning and growing for market
  • on-farm technical assistance
  • preparing produce for aggregation
  • farmers market operations
  • financial tracking
  • accessing USDA programs

As a participating farmer, you will be eligible to lease SCLT land (depending on availability) and to sell through our market channels.

Farm Apprenticeships

Alondra Rivera, apprentice at Sidewalk Ends Farm in 2017.

Apprentices train at one of several area host farms in SCLT’s network. The program combines in-depth training with farmer-mentors, combined with workshops, tours of other farms, and networking opportunities.

Apprentices complete the program with not only technical skills, but a broader understanding of farm management and connections to resources to become a successful farmer in RI. As an apprentice, you will meet with local agencies and businesses to help grow your network in the farming community, including USDA staff and URI extension specialists. You will create an education plan with your host farmer and participate in SCLT’s beginning farmer training program.

Apprenticeships are funded for the entire growing season, generally from April through October, with the possibility of 18-month positions. You will be paid as a full-time, salaried employee of SCLT with commensurate benefits. Some weekend and evening work is expected, and is balanced by compensatory time off.

Apprenticeships for the 2022 year will be hosted at Pat’s Pastured and Red Planet Farm.

 

Applications are available here. Please apply by 5 pm on Feb. 7.

USDA, NRCS

Information about resources available from the USDA National Resources Conservation Service will be shared at each workshop.

For more information about our Farmer Training and Farm Apprenticeship Programs, please contact Chandelle at chandelle@southsideclt.org