Journeyperson Program
Get your farm business started with MOFGA
Mentorship
Technical Assistance
Business Planning
Help Getting Established
Qualifications
MOFGA seeks applicants who are serious about operating farm businesses in Maine that will make significant contributions to the agricultural community and economy. While open to farms at any stage of development, the program is best utilized by those who have an established farm business with secure land tenure and will use this program as a tangible step toward achieving their farm goals.
MOFGA seeks application to the Journeyperson program from farms that meet the following criteria:
- A minimum of two years farming experience
- One calendar year of farm experience in Maine
- A demonstrated commitment to farming in Maine
- Measurable contributions to Maine’s agricultural economy and/ or production goals of feeding their community and region
- A demonstrated commitment to sustainable practices, including but not limited to organic production
The MOFGA Journeyperson program, while open to any farm that meets the above criteria is best suited for farms that have:
- Secure medium to long-term land tenure*
- A focus on livestock and/or crop production for direct to consumer and wholesale markets
- An established farm business and need support to refine their vision, apply whole-farm planning practices and have the time to fully utilize the resources of the program.
- Farmers that don't qualify include farms with 501C3 status, homesteads, and farms whose main product is a federally controlled substance.
* MOFGA can provide resources to assist in obtaining land tenure – please contact the Journeyperson Program at [email protected] ASAP.
** For more information about the program, please watch the information session and contact Beginning Farmer Specialist, Bo Dennis at [email protected] for any follow up questions.
Components of the Program
MOFGA offers participants in the JP Program a 2-year package of support, including:
- Free access to MOFGA resources. This includes technical advice from our Agricultural Services staff, business planning help, free admission to MOFGA-sponsored events, workshops, and conferences, access to MOFGA's farmer network, and farm visits from MOFGA staff and advisors.
- Discount with FEDCO & Organic Growers Supply.
- Discount with Johnny's Selected Seeds
- Access to the Shared Use Farm Equipment pool
- Assistance and support for land access and tenure issues through partnerships with Maine Farmland Trust and Land For Good
- Access to the MOFGA Organic Farmers' Loan Fund
- Free attendance to the Farm Beginnings whole-farm and business-planning course.
- First year benefit- Stipend An educational stipend of $500, which can be spent on classes, workshops, conferences, books, etc., that further your growth as a farmer.
- Second year benefit- Mentorship You choose a mentor, who will be paid by MOFGA for their work with you.
Applying
Applications are due for the Journeyperson program each year on January 31.
Please complete an application by making a copy of the application, editing it and sending it to [email protected]
After applications are received and a farm qualifies for the program, we will reach out to schedule an interview. Application and interviews will be accessed based on this rubric.
