Center For Land-Based Learning Launches California Farm Academy Program

WINTERS, Calif., Dec. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Farm Academy, a new program of the Center for Land-Based Learning near Winters, Calif., is teaming up with partners Sierra Orchards, Farm Fresh To You/Capay Organic, Soil Born Farms, UC Davis Russell Ranch and a host of other organizations to offer beginning farmer training in specialty crop production.

The part-time, yet intensive program brings together production, marketing and business planning classes to give prospective and beginning farmers a solid foundation in what they need to know to get started with their own farm business.

"If you have been wanting to farm as a career but weren't sure how to get from here to there, come check out our program, said Jennifer Taylor, Farm Academy Director. "We offer a hands-on, interactive learning environment in which you will build the knowledge and skills you'll need to become a successful farmer."

Learning from established growers is a key component to Farm Academy training. Farm Fresh To You and Capay Organic have stepped up to the plate and offered their farm as a site for students to gain experience throughout the growing season. A next-generation farmer himself, Thaddeus Barsotti, farmer/co-owner Farm Fresh To You/Capay Organic, feels that the industry needs to help educate and model what works for future farmers.

"Sharing our knowledge about sustainable agriculture to new farmers is a rare privilege," said Barsotti. "The best part about teaching is that we will end up learning from students' questions, and we look forward to training and collaborating with this next generation of farmers."

California Farm Academy (CFA) is currently accepting applications for its inaugural session starting Feb. 16, 2012. Topics include: pest management, farm equipment operation, irrigation and water management, direct and wholesale marketing, ecology and conservation, goal setting and farm enterprise analysis, obtaining loans, insurance and permits, decision-making, problem-solving and more!

Qualified graduates of the training program will also be able to lease land through the California Farm Academy for up to three years. Continuing education workshops and mentorship from area producers are also part of the CFA support network.

The cost of the six-month training program is $1,950 for 180-200 contact hours of classes, hands-on experience, one-on-one consultations, farm visits and field trips. Printed curriculum materials are provided, as are the necessary machinery, tools and supplies.

For more information and to apply, see the website at CaliforniaFarmAcademy.org

Applications and questions may be directed to: Jennifer Taylor, California Farm Academy, 5265 Putah Creek Road, Winters, Calif. 95694. Or by email: [email protected].

For interviews with Thaddeus Barsotti: Contact for Farm Fresh To You/Capay Organic: Barbara Archer, 530-848-5053, [email protected]

SOURCE Farm Fresh To You