Sustainable Farming Courses & Certificate Program

Thinking about farming as a part-time or full-time livelihood? Looking for a solid introduction to organic farming principles, practices and business opportunities? Get some practical training from Groundswell's experienced Mentor Farmers!

For a well-rounded, in-depth immersion in organic crop and livestock production training, consider Groundswell's...

100-Hour Sustainable Farming Certificate Program

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Tuition Support Available!

Or you can apply for one or more of the Sustainable Farming Courses we offer. If and when you decide to go for the Certificate, your training hours will count towards the 100-hour requirement.

2013 Sustainable Farming Courses

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Groundswell's Sustainable Farming Courses provide practical training in small-scale, commercial organic farming systems and expose trainees to a variety of successful small farm management models. Courses are geared for beginning and aspiring commercial farmers. Our basic level courses are also valuable for serious homesteaders, agricultural science students, educators, and others who need to deepen their knowledge of sustainable production practices and gain a realistic understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved in small-scale farming. Our advanced-level "Intensives" are geared for farmers with at least two years of production experience.Click on the course you're interested in to see session schedule and costs:

• Organic Farming Fundamentals: Six sessions, May 8 - June 26. Tuition: $250-$325 sliding scale.
• Commercial Organic Vegetable Production Basics: Eight sessions, May 15 - October 9. Tuition: $350-$425 sliding scale.
• Organic Livestock Production Basics: Six sessions, July 3 - August 7. Tuition: $250-$325 sliding scale.
• Pastured Poultry Intensive: Full-day workshop, Aug 12. Tuition: $120-$150 sliding scale.
• Sheep Dairy Intensive: Full-day workshop, Aug 18. Tuition: $120-$150 sliding scale.
• Hog Breeding & Farrowing Intensive: Full-day workshop, Sep 16. Tuition: $120-$150 sliding scale.
• Draft Horse Intensive: Two-day workshop, Sep 14-15. Tuition: $120-$150 per session, sliding scale. 
• Poultry Processing Practicum: Full-day workshops, dates TBA. Tuition: $120-$150 sliding scale.
• Organic Orchard Practicum: 9 monthly sessions, coming this fall. Tuition TBA.

Apply online now!

Got questions? Send an email to info@groundswellcenter.org or call us at 607-319-5095.

Groundswell’s Sustainable Farming Courses are supported in part by USDA's Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Grant #2010-49400-21799.