The University of Vermont Farmer Training Program is a six-month, hands-on program for aspiring farmers and food systems advocates that provides experiential, skills-based education in sustainable farming.
Students gain a unique and comprehensive farming education by running all aspects of the 10-acre Catamount Educational Farm, learning from expert farmers and educators in the classroom, and alongside successful, inspiring farmers in the Burlington area.
Vermont is a national model in alternative food systems development with its network-based approach. Here you’ll find farmers, food-systems advocates, regional food hubs, policymakers, and community members committed to increasing the production and consumption of local foods.
Vermont has the highest number of farmers’ markets and CSAs per capita than any state, and it’s consistently ranked among the healthiest, greenest places in the nation. When it comes to local food, Vermont proves what’s possible.
The Farmer Training Program is housed in UVM’s Plant and Soil Science Department, providing students the opportunity to interact with and learn from many of the faculty and staff who teach in the program and conduct research at the farm.
Graduates of the UVM Farmer Training Program receive:
A Certificate in Sustainable Farming from UVM
Experience in organic crop production, from seed to market
A deeper understanding of small-scale farm management
Entrepreneurial skills to start a farm business
A network of incredible people to provide support and guidance
Learn more at go.uvm.edu/farmertraining