We're sorry: our Urban Farm Training Program has been filled for 2015. However, you can gain valuable farm experience as an intern or volunteer with us!
Look out for an info session for UFTP '16 in December.
The Youth Farm offers one of NYC's only farm
training programs for beginning farmers. No prior experience necessary -- just
a passion for food systems change, a willingness to work hard, and ability to
commit to our intensive program.
Applications Due By February 1st, 2015
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Our program offers adults the chance to experience what it takes to farm and explore a career in organic agriculture through hands-on training on a 1 acre diversified farm. As an apprentice at the Youth Farm you will gain many valuable growing skills necessary for cultivating a wide variety of vegetables and flowers appropriate to our region. Through this intensive 22-hr per week commitment, you will gain the invaluable experience of nurturing crops and soil day to day and gain a sense for the physical and mental energy required to run a small farming operation that produces high quality vegetables, beautiful flowers, and a rich and harmonious community space. For those interested in transitioning to a career in agriculture, we aim to provide as immersive an experience as possible, by providing focused training on one site, where you will be part of the growing experience, from seed to harvest.
WHO ARE THE INSTRUCTORS?
WHO ARE THE INSTRUCTORS?
HOURS & TIME COMMITMENT
COST
Our mission on the farm is to support our community by training you to be self-sufficient in growing nutritious, beautiful local produce and flowers. Our program breaks down to about $37/week commitment so that you can learn alongside experienced farmers, while also living an affordable and sustainable life yourself. We invite our apprentices to harvest plenty of fresh veggies and flowers to nourish you throughout the season!
- Hands-on farm work on a 1 acre diversified farm
- Formal workshops in Botany, Soil Science, Crop Planning, Record Keeping, Mushrooms and more...
- Rotations in Propagation, Irrigation, Composting, Flower Production, CSA/Farmers Market management and Farm Management
- Field trips to other urban farms
- Weekly Farm Walks to develop observational skills
- Working with youth
What can you do with your Certificate?
Our past apprentices have gone on to do great things, such as:
• Manage the 1 acre Youth Farm at the Chicago Botanical Garden
• Co-Manage 2-acre Cut Flower operations
• Accept jobs as gardening coordinators at NYC schools
• Accept prestigious apprenticeships at upstate farms such as Glynwood Farms
• Accept prestigious apprenticeships at upstate farms such as Glynwood Farms
• Manage NYC Greenmarkets
• Manage their own urban agriculture and landscaping businesses
• Enhance existing or launch new wellness and nutrition consulting businesses
• Work in floral design, and more...
• Enhance existing or launch new wellness and nutrition consulting businesses
• Work in floral design, and more...
PAST PARTICIPANTS SAY:
"This training provided me with an opportunity to learn side by side with experienced farmers."
"There was so much opportunity for hands on work and the farmers were all very patient, kind and knowledgeable about the work."
“I thought the schedule was a really perfect balance of feeling like you were consistently on the farm, while also being able to work on the side to support myself.”
“This program changed my life for the better and made this summer probably one of the BEST summers I have ever experienced.”
“This program has provided me with a more realistic view of what it takes to be a farmer.”
