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Welcome to Groundswell!

Our 2012 programs are underway!


craftpic2011Finger Lakes CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training)

Monthly farm tours and potlucks, May to November

9 am-1, first Mondays of each month

Learn more and apply today!

CRAFT is a community of farmers and farming interns in the Finger Lakes region that gather for monthly educational farm tours and community potlucks. Are you an experienced farmer dedicated to cultivating the next generation of sustainable farmers in our region? Are you a farming intern or a beginning farmer looking to broaden your farming experience and connect with other interns and farmers? Or are you a gardener interested in connecting with farmers and exploring the possibility of farming as a career? If so, the Finger Lakes CRAFT wants you!

 

P1040453Summer Practicum in Sustainable Farming and Food Justice

May 31 to June 28, Monday – Thursday, 9am – 2pm

6 college credits available through TC3

Learn more

NOTE: The 2012 Application period for this program has been ended, but we encourage you to contact us directly about your interests in Groundswell training for 2012. 

 

Are you looking for a unique and inspirational summer experience that just might change your life? Groundswell’s Summer Practicum in Sustainable Farming and Food Justice is a chance to immerse yourself in Ithaca’s vibrant local food system while earning 6 credits through Tompkins Cortland Community College.The Practicum brings together a diverse group of college students and community members to explore farming and food systems through the lenses of social justice and sustainability. Students spend Mondays working and learning with Farm Manager Todd McLane at West Haven Farm. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we meet at EcoVillage at Ithaca's comfortable Common House for guest speakers, discussion, and “Local Lunch Labs.” On Wednesdays we hit the road and visit more local farms, food businesses, and community organizations for a close-up look at Ithaca's dynamic local food system. Learn more...

P1020878Sustainable Farming Certificate Program

April 18 - Nov 14

100 hours of training

Learn more

 NOTE: The 2012 Application period for this program has been ended, but we encourage you to contact us directly about your interests in Groundswell training for 2012.  Some of these workshops will most likely be opened up to the public, and we will provide notice as they become available.

Gain hands-on experience, learn skills, and join a community of aspiring farmers! Groundswell's Sustainable Farming Certificate Program is geared for beginning and aspiring farmers and homesteaders with some hands-on experience, who want to deepen their knowledge of sustainable production practices and gain a realistic understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved in small-scale farming. Our flexible, full-season curriculum provides classroom training, hands-on workshops, farm visits, and supervised work experience on diverse small farms. Running April to November, the Sustainable Farming Certificate Program provides 124 hours of classroom training, hands-on workshops, farm visits, and supervised work experience on sustainable farms. Instruction will be provided by experienced farmer mentors, as well as subject matter experts from our partner institutions such as Cornell University, USDA, and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Trainees who complete 100 hours of training or more are eligible to receive Groundswell's Sustainable Farming Certificate. Learn more...


Tuition assistance is available for applicants of color and of limited resources. See the online applications for details.

Groundswell's mission 

Groundswell's mission is to engage diverse learners and empower them with skills, knowledge and access to resources so they can build sustainable land-based livelihoods and equitable local food systems.  We provide practical and applicable experience-based education and business incubation through a network of successful local farms and partner organizations. The result we seek is successful entry into and growth of our local food and farming systems.

Groundswell is an initiative of the EcoVillage Center for Sustainability Education, a project of the Center for Transformative Action.

Groundswell Community Adviser Meetings are held quarterly and are open to the public. 2012 meetings are: March 8, June 14, September 13, and December 13, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm and include potluck dinner. For location contact info@groundswellcenter.org. 

 
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Field Sites and Speaker
 

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Featured Links

Northeast Organic Farming Association

EcoVillage Center for Sustainability Education

Center for Transformative Action

Ithaca Crop Mob

Finger Lakes CRAFT

Cornell Cooperative Extension-Tompkins County