Mentoring Program
About
Depending on where you are in this big state, it’s not always easy finding people who have expertise with what it takes to be a successful farm focused on organic or environmentally sustainable production. The Georgia Organics’ Farmer-to-Farmer Mentoring Program meets this need by pairing beginning farmers and ranchers (10 years or less experience) and producers transitioning to organic production systems with experienced farmer mentors.
The mentor farmers offer support with planning – whole farm, business, marketing, crop, equipment – as well as technical assistance on production and marketing issues. Mentees are eligible for up to 25 hours of mentor support, travel stipend, and full or partial scholarships to the annual Georgia Organics Conference and other workshops throughout the year. All mentees also receive direct attention and support from Georgia Organics’ Farmer Services Coordinator, whose specialties include business, marketing and connection to resources.
Program Application
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Mentor availability for planning will be the greatest during the late fall and winter. The application can be downloaded here.
Georgia Organics will review your application and follow up with a phone call for further discussion. What we are looking for are applicants where an investment in the farms developmetn will be well utilized. Once Georgia Organics has identified a suitable mentor, we have the applicant connect with them to ensure they also thing they are a good fit. Depending on your needs, two to three different mentors with different skill sets can be utilized.
Mentee's Experiences
“I have read numerous books and attended many workshops in preparing to start my commercial organic vegetable and berry operation on my great-grandfathers old farm. However, I can honestly say that the most productive training time thus far was the afternoon that Dave Bentoski of D & A Farm spent with me walking through his operation and answering my direct questions. “
Bill Harris
Easterlin Farm
Americus, GA
“This program is incredibly beneficial. Not only have I visited with my Mentor, my Mentor has also visited my Farm. During this visit, the first plot for my spring planting was discussed and changed based on soil tests and the lay of the land. This program helped to instill the vision I have for the 6 to 7 acres I plan to expand to in the next few years. The classes, seminars and conferences are of most importance, however, that personal interaction with others (Mentors) cannot be replaced by any of these. It gives you the opportunity to ask questions and seek advice you may not feel comfortable asking in an open setting and someone to reach out to whenever you just aren't sure about something. The mentors also prove what you want to do can be done and done very successfully.”
Ricky Brown
Back River Farm
Loganville, GA