OFTP 2024 Application

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The MSU Organic Farmer Training Program (OFTP) teaches aspiring and beginning farmers and educational gardeners in a mix of on-farm and online activities every Monday from late February to November. On-farm activities include hands-on activities, farm walks and equipment demonstrations. Online, we focus on group discussions, planning for your farm, guest speakers and participant presentations. You will also visit 20+ Michigan and Chicago farms during field trips! Outside of class, video lectures, readings and practical assignments, like writing a Farm Business Plan will connect learning themes from the class to YOUR farm goals. The OFTP is a vibrant, diverse and positive learning community where students learn from each other and share their unique skills, experience and goals. We welcome farmers, schoolyard gardeners, food systems advocates, homesteaders, farmworkers and grazers of all backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, veterans, women & non-binary farmers.

The OFTP typically accepts 23 participants per year. Strong applicants meet 3 criteria:
1. Hands-on farming or educational gardening experience as a farmworker, volunteer, WWOOFer, homesteader, beekeeper, serious home gardener, etc.
2. Plans to start or manage a farm or educational farm project
3. Ability to contribute to a positive learning community
We take into account your full life experience and relevant skills that contribute to success in farming, such as marketing or business experience, community connections, mechanical or building skills, non-profit leadership, relevant education, etc. The program is not designed for those with zero farming or educational garden experience, but we are glad to recommend a farm or garden in your area to work or volunteer to strengthen your application. The program has been a good fit for people with extensive home gardening experience who are ready to scale up or to use their gardening skills for an educational project.

PROGRAM DETAILS:
33 Class Days:

~Feb. 26th-November 4th (NO CLASS Memorial Day, the Monday before Juneteenth, Labor Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day)
~Mondays 9am-5pm

~Choose a hands-on learning site in East Lansing or Detroit

~10 0n-farm learning days, field trips to 20+ farms, 17 online learning days
~$3,900 plus books (Detroit Farmer Scholarships of $3,150 available for farmers from Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck. Other scholarship options are listed at https://www.canr.msu.edu/organic_farmer_training_program/about/apply-now

TIME COMMITMENT
Full class day each Monday from 9am to 5pm
+ 3 - 10 hours per week for assignments, video lectures and readings
+ Weekend trip to Chicago farms (July 20 - 22 is the tentative date)
+ Time working or volunteering on a farm, schoolyard garden or your own ag project

APPLICATION MATERIALS
-application form (this form!)
-resume
-2 letters of recommendation (from employers, people who are familiar with your farm experience, colleagues, educators, farm customers, etc.)
-Farm visit at the MSU Student Organic Farm or zoom chat to discuss the program and your learning goals

-OPTIONAL Scholarship application https://forms.gle/DSLB4KuEcsGR7KccA

~ Email scans/photos of documents & questions to oftp@msu.edu, subject line "OFTP"
~ Rolling Admissions - we accept applications until the cohort is filled!

~ Nov. 15 Scholarship deadline for farmers from Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck

CONTACT:
oftp@msu.edu
616-885-7776 (personal cell, please only call/text between 9am and 7pm)
~Please feel free to ask questions to help you decide if this is the right program for you!

Thank you!

Email *

First Name: *

Last Name: *

Street Address *

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone Number (cell preferred): *

Date of Birth

YYYY

Pronouns (She/her, He/him, They/them, etc.):

Highest Level of Education Completed: *

Race/Ethnicity (optional)

Preferred Hands-on Learning Site

East Lansing - MSU Student Organic Farm - 15-acre farmsite with 9 hoophouses, 3 acres of tractor-scale production and an Edible Forest Garden (permaculture planting)

Detroit - Keep Growing Detroit - 1.3 acre model urban farm and nursery with 2 hoophouses, vegetable fields, pollinator gardens, beehives, hightunnels, and a 4,400 gallon rainwater collection. KGD is a resource hub for farmers and gardeners that distributes seeds & transplants to over 2,000 Detroit gardens & farms.

Clear selection

Why do you want to participate in the Organic Farmer Training Program? *

Describe your recent educational and work experience. *

Describe your previous experiences with farming, growing and/or selling food. *

What are your goals in sustainable farming, local food systems or educational gardening? How will you use the knowledge, skills and experience you will gain in the program to achieve these goals? *

Describe your experiences working and learning in community. How would you be a good member of our learning community? *

Optional: Please list accommodations that would help you succeed in OFTP (NOTE: you can request accommodations at any time before or during the OFTP. Accommodations requests will not influence acceptance into the program)

The Organic Farmer Training Program is a commitment that requires a full day per week to attend class each Monday plus 3 to 10 hours per week for video lectures, assignments & readings. Describe how you will manage the OFTP alongside other work and personal obligations. *

Are you interested in applying for scholarships? *

Yes. Please send me information about non-MSU scholarship opportunities

Yes. I am a Detroit, Highland Park or Hamtramck farmer and I would like to apply for the Detroit farmer scholarship.

No.

What type of Farm Plan would you like to create as a final project? (NOTE: you are free to change this at any time!)

Farm Business Plan (for farms focused on growing and selling farm goods and services)

Community Farm Plan (for non-profits, educational gardens, and community focused projects)

Homestead Plan (for farms mainly focused on growing for home use)

Other:

Clear selection

I will be emailing or mailing in my resume and letters of recommendation. I will set up a time to meet online or visit a farmsite to learn more about the program. *

Yes.

How did you hear about the MSU Organic Farmer Training Program? *

A copy of your responses will be emailed to the address you provided.

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