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The AFFECT Farmer Training Program is designed to teach the fundamentals of farming while offering hands-on experience working alongside some of Fairbanks' most successful farmers. You will learn everything from farm planning to soil health, seeding, transplanting, harvesting, marketing, even hydroponics. Field days will be scheduled with local farmers who will teach hands-on skills in various tools, fieldwork, greenhouse production, harvesting, and storing. This is the chance to cultivate alongside Goosefoot Farm and harvest carrots with Spinach Creek while building the skills necessary to start your own agricultural endeavor. Optional classes to learn about mushroom foraging, compost tea, hydroponics, and more, will be available for you to gain exposure to a scope of agricultural opportunities.
All graduated students are eligible for Year Two of our Farmer Training Program.
In Year Two, a student is matched with a local farm and works the whole season learning the specific nitty-gritty of what it takes to run a farm business.
In Year Three, students will be offered land to begin their farm business. We are in discussions with multiple landowners and organizations who are passionate about food security and wish to share their land and water resources.
PROGRAM DATES:
The Farmer Training Program for Summer 2025 will begin Monday May 26th and continue through the last week of August with weekly classes.
We have reached the maximum number of applicants for this year's program; however, we still have room on the waiting list. Please fill out the application below but know you will be added to the waitlist.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE:
We will have weekly classes, 1 day/week on Mondays. Most of these classes will run from 6-8pm, with a few different time slots based on farmers' availabilities.
SESSIONS:
History of Farming in Alaska
Planning and Preparation
Seed Starting
Selecting Varieties
Farm Tools and Equipment
Working With Your Soil - Tillage
Irrigation
Nutrient Management
Crop Rotation
Composting
Weed Control
Harvest and Storage
Business Training for Success
...and more!
REQUIREMENTS:
Participants must reside in the Fairbanks North Star Borough & be 18 years old unless accompanied by an adult who is also an AFFECT student!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Tuition-free!
Transportation to and from field visits will be offered.
Build meaningful connections with local farms.
Develop marketable skills in agriculture, specific to Interior Alaska.
Certificate awarded on behalf of the Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District, upon completion of the course.
PLEASE FULLY COMPLETE THE APPLICATION BELOW
To apply, please complete and submit the form below. If you have difficulties with the form, need assistance, or prefer to send your responses via email, please contact AFFECTfarm@gmail.com.
We suggest writing out your answers to the below questions in a separate document, then, copying and pasting your answers into the Form when you are ready to Submit your responses.
If you have any problems or need more information, please email AFFECTfarm@gmail.com.
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