At left, Rashid Nuri gives a tour of Truly Living Well Natural Living Farms, in East Point.

Inaugural Urban

Agriculture

Training Program

Georgia Organics is launching its first ever Urban Agriculture Training Program to encourage and teach more Georgians to farm and garden in urban environments, a necessary and lacking component of creating vibrant local food communities in Georgia.

The application period is closed.

Applicants will be informed of their acceptance into the program by end of November. There is a $25 enrollment fee for those accepted into the program.

10 people will learn from diverse urban operations that focus on sustainable production, marketing, and community, as well as through monthly educational and mentoring sessions. Participants will study many topics, including soil biology, composting, community engagement, crop rotation, marketing, and record keeping from established pros in the urban ag community.

The program begins February 2010 and runs through November 2010.

Georgia Organics

Mentoring Program

THE APPLICATION PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED.

The purpose of the Georgia Organics Mentoring Program, which is a separate program from the Urban Agriculture Training Program, is to develop the capacity of farmers and farms committed to sustainable agriculture and land stewardship. Farmers targeted as mentees for the program are those with less than ten years experience, a commitment to pursue organic practices, transitioning from conventional practices and/or those with limited resources. Program participants receive support from experienced farmers, Georgia Organics staff and experts brought in for educational sessions.

Opportunities & Requirements for Mentees

• Development of farm plans and marketing plans
• Minimum of five work days at a mentor farm
• Free Quarterly Workshops
• Up to 25 hours of consulting time from mentor farmers
• Free Georgia Organics Annual Conference Registration
• Limited funds available for travel stipends

Timeline

Applicants considered for the program are subject to farm visits from Georgia Organics farmer members and staff. Applicants will be notified of acceptance into the program by Oct. 1, 2009. The program runs October 2009 thru Sept. 30, 2010. There is a $50 registration fee for those accepted into the program.

This program is made possible by a partnership with the Risk Management Agency (RMA) of the USDA, and is supported by the generous participation of the mentoring farmer.