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Pathways to Farming

Applications are now open for the 2027 cohort of the Pathways to Farming program!

Applications accepted until January 5th, 2027

Program Overview

The Pathways to Farming program will be a collaborative learning, working, and business development program where participants will grow crops, share their skills, and contribute to the overall operation of the Community Farm.

  • Education and support-based program for new and emerging farm businesses.
  • Farm business types may include annual or perennial crops such as vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers. Please note that livestock businesses cannot be accommodated at this time.
  • Applicants can include individual, partnership (2 members), and team (3+ members) applications.
  • The program is 22 months long, starting in March and continuing until December after the second growing season.
  • Participants are expected to know how to grow crops and come to the program with general growing/farming experience.
  • Participation in the education component of the program will be required for Participants, with the aim of  providing the information and resources needed to support successful management of a farm business. Participants will gain first hand experience in a supportive environment with independent and peer-to-peer learning. A time commitment of 30 hours/growing season is anticipated for the education program and will include:
    • Workshops on business topics such as insurance and farm safety, delivered both in-person and online;
    • Training on topics such as machinery maintenance, record keeping, and food safety;
    • Farm tours with successful local farmers; and
    • Mentorship program connecting Participants with local growers and business owners.
  • The program will support new farm businesses through: 
    • Ready-to-plant land plots of ¼ acres (100 ft by 100 ft) or ⅛ acres (100 ft by 50 ft); 
    • Shared infrastructure, equipment, and tools; and 
    • At-cost purchases of bulk materials such as compost, mulch, and irrigation supplies.
  • As part of the program, Participants are expected to contribute to general maintenance and upkeep of the Community Farm. This may include collective farm work days or assigned tasks based on a participants’ skills/experience. Maintenance needs, time allocations, and participant contributions will be determined collaboratively through regular farm meetings. 

Graduates of the two-season Pathways to Farming Program are eligible to receive on-going business support at the Community Farm for years three to five. This may include access to a larger plot at the Community Farm, resources to secure farmland elsewhere, and/or support for re-strategizing their business plan.

Program Fees

The program fee is $1,500/growing season or $3,000 total for the 22 month program. The program fee includes:

  • 12 education and training modules, delivered through a combination of online, in-person, and farm tour methods. 
  • Mentorship program with experienced growers, financial advisors, and marketing professionals. 
  • Ready-to-plant land plot of ¼ acres (100 ft by 100 ft) or ⅛ acres (100 ft by 50 ft). 
  • Irrigation water in large totes near plots (irrigation system is the responsibility of the grower).
  • Shared wheelbarrows and hand tools.
  • Indoor barn storage space.
  • Wash station, fridges/cooler (subject to need and funding)
  • At-cost purchases of bulk materials such as compost, mulch, and irrigation supplies.

Ready to Apply?

Applications for the 2027 Pathways to Farming program will be accepted from now until the final submission date of January 5th, 2027. 

Applicants should begin their application well in advance of the submission date as many of the questions require thoughtful consideration and research prior to completing. The following general guidance is provided: 

  • Applications are submitted through a Google Form.
  • Review the Application Guidelines prior to beginning your form submission.
  • Review the full Application Form (PDF), including the Pathways to Farming Application Form Tables, prior to beginning your form submission. 
  • Review the Selection Criteria and Process, provided in the Application Guidelines.
  • Contact Andrea Hicks, Community Farm Planner, if you have any questions, issues,  or require accommodation to complete the application.  
Pathways to Farming Application Form

Thank You to Our Community Farm Supporters