Future Farmer Apprenticeship and Youth Employment Program at Local Harvest CSA

Commodities

Practices

Local Harvest CSA in partnership with Children of Promise Mentorship Program (COPMP) will further expand and refine a fledgling farmer apprenticeship program that hires and trains young people from underrepresented backgrounds. The Future Farmer Apprentice Program provides apprentices with hands-on training in regenerative farming practices on a working, vegetable and livestock farm, introduces them to a diverse group of farmers allowing them to envision farming as a viable career path, provides individualized mentoring, and education in employment skills and regenerative agriculture principles.  

1. Increase sustainable farming skills of 8-12 high school apprentices through an 8 week on-farm apprentice program which will include skills and safety training, 3 days/week apprenticing on a working farm, 1 day/week employment class, and individualized mentoring.
2. Youth apprentices have the opportunity to network with local farmers on 1-2 field trips, and are introduced to sustainable agriculture career opportunities through 2-3 guest speakers to the employment class. 
3. Produce a short guide including 6 farm skill lesson plans, and 6 food system lesson plans for other farms interested in employing and/or educating young people on their farms.