Farm Beginnings
MOFGA Farm Beginnings is a farmer-led program to help guide those with a strong commitment to creating a sustainable farm business achieve their goals.
Designed for producers with at least one year of sales records, this 9 week business course helps farmers and food producers develop a whole farm plan through realistic goal setting, reflection, and assessment of resources, skills and markets – and gives you the business planning tools necessary to successfully implement the plan. Sign up opens early October each year with the course running December- February with a holiday break. This is a required component of the Journeyperson Program.
Community based: Applicants from Maine will be given priority because MOFGA is best able to provide resources and connections in this state. If you are located elsewhere, check out the Farm Beginnings Collaborative website to see if there is an organization near you offering Farm Beginnings.
Applications due November 1, 2023.
MOFGA Farm Beginnings will help you to:
- Craft a detailed action plan for your farm; including your vision, personal goals, marketing plan, enterprises and financing goals.
- Learn critical farm management skills such as recordkeeping, tax preparation, marketing and enterprise development.
- Meet and learn from innovative, local farming practitioners. Develop relationships with other new and experienced farmers, plus a wide range of agricultural service providers that support farmers.
- Learn how to access resources and programs that can help bring your farm vision to fruition.
Application details:
- Course tuition is $350 per farm (all farm partners are strongly encouraged to attend).
- Numerous scholarships are available – please note interest on your application.
- Current MOFGA Journeypeople receive a stipend toward course tuition.
For more information, please email [email protected].
