Coming this winter: NOFA-VT’s Agricultural Education Farmer Cohort, a knowledge-sharing opportunity for farms to develop educational offerings for children
Are you a farmer interested in connecting with the schools in your community? Have you been wanting to host groups of students on your farm but are stuck on where to start? This opportunity is for you! Thanks to a USDA Farm to School grant, NOFA-VT in partnership with Shelburne Farms and the Farm-Based Education Network is offering a one-year opportunity designed to support farms in building out their educational offerings for schools.
What to Expect
NOFA-VT’s Agricultural Education Farmer Cohort is a peer-led learning opportunity designed to support farmers who are interested in hosting field trips, increasing their comfort with hands-on activities and developing relationships with local classrooms. Each participating farmer will be matched with a mentor in their region to address a range of topics from on-farm visit safety and logistics, to developing engaging and relevant educational activities. Participants should have a farm site where you're already offering education or are gearing up for it. Over the course of the year-long program, participants will build connections, relationships and skills.
From March 2023 through April 2024, participants will come together both virtually and in person for a series of workshops and meetings, regional on-farm gatherings, and one-on-one site visits with a mentor. Check out the draft schedule below to get an idea of the time commitment involved. Please note that this schedule is subject to change. Details will be informed by participants’ availability and desired learning topics.
Draft Schedule
Please note that this schedule is subject to change. Details will be informed by participants’ availability and desired learning topics.
Virtual Kickoff
March 7, 2023 | 7-8:30 pm
On-Farm Workshop #1
April 17, 2023 | 1-4pm | Southern Vermont
or
April 20, 2023 | 1-4pm |Northern Vermont
Virtual Workshop
May 15, 2023 | 7-8:30 pm
Virtual Workshop
August 21, 2023 | 7-8:30 pm
On-Farm Workshop #2
October 11, 2023 | 1-4pm | Central VT
Virtual Workshop (Specific date TBD)
January 2024 | 7-8:30 pm
Available 1-on-1 Mentorship Hours
Spring 2023 - June 2024 | 10 - 15 hours
In Person Closing & Celebration, (Specific date & location TBD)
March 2024
Thanks to a Farm to School Grant from USDA Food and Nutrition Services, NOFA-VT’s Agricultural Education Farmer Cohort is FREE to participating farms. Mileage reimbursement for on-farm workshops is available. Applications will open this fall. Contact Kayla Strom at [email protected] or (802) 434-7176 to learn more!
Farmers, we want to learn from you!
Are you currently offering farm to school activities in your community? Are you interested in being a mentor for this course? If so, please contact Kayla Strom at [email protected] or (802) 434-7176 to discuss! Mentors will be compensated for their time.