We appreciate your interest in EFAO's Farmer-to-Farmer Seed Mentorship Program, which is offered at no cost to participants.
Quality training for farmers in the cultivation of high-quality, diverse seeds is crucial for fostering a resilient and sustainable seed sector. Through this peer learning initiative, our aim is to provide hands-on, personalized, and timely training to farmers and growers seeking to enhance the quality, quantity, and diversity of seeds grown on their farms and in their gardens. The mentorship will begin in April and continue to the end of the season, taking the mentee from seed to seed along the way.
Key expectations for selected mentees include:
- Possession of farming or market gardening experience and a genuine interest in mastering seed cultivation.
- Availability and readiness to cultivate seeds on their farms or gardens throughout the program duration (please note, this program does not offer hosted internships).
- Commitment to participating in mentorship sessions ranging from 10 to 30 hours over the 2023 season, with the possibility of extending into winter 2024 based on discussions with mentors.
- Completion, in consultation with the Seed Program Manager, of a method for sharing learnings, including the submission of five photos and a brief written evaluation to the Program Coordinator.
- Collaboration with mentors to establish learning objectives and communication strategies.
EFAO will offer you:
- ongoing support, including regular correspondence with mentors and mentees throughout the season for program updates and logistical assistance.
- compensation for mileage ($0.61/km) up to $250 for one trip to the other's seed growing space.
- an opportunity to join virtually with other Seed Mentors and Mentees via online National Meetups to share your learnings and questions and build networks across the country.
Correspondence with Mentors can be by phone, email, video, or in person when possible, depending on your mutual preferences. We carefully review application information to ensure suitable mentor-mentee matches, and we will connect with you beforehand to confirm compatibility.
For additional program details, please visit:
EFAO's Seed Mentorship Program
This program is managed by the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario's Seed Program, in partnership with the Indigenous Outreach and Engagement Initiative.
