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Options for New Farmer Training: A Scan of Farmer Training Programs in North America
Published in 2017, Options for New Farmer Training: A Scan of Farmer Training Programs in North America reports on research conducted by FLEdGE researchers Laura Schreiner, Charles Levkoe, and Theresa Schumilas, in partnership with the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO), and the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training Southwest Ontario (CRAFT).
Their research explored different models of practical farmer training across North America and was divided into two parts.
Part One of the report includes a description of the five categories of farmer training:
- Informal Associations for Farm Internships
- Centralized Internship Programs
- Private/Non-profit Programs
- Formal Academic Programs
- Independent and Self-Directed Learning
It also includes as discussion of the implications of the various models in the Ontario context.
Part Two of the report details the second phase of research, during which farm internships were explored in greater detail to describe the range of existing approaches within this model.
The researchers determined that, with sufficient support and funding, there is an opportunity to expand farmer training options in Ontario in all five categories. They also found that, while there is great interest in practical farmer training programs, there is limited published research and information in this area. Further research is recommended into practical farmer training options and associated funding and support mechanisms, both domestically and internationally.
Read the Related Journal Article:
In this JAFSCD viewpoint article, authors Laura Schreiner, Charles Z. Levkoe, and Theresa Schumilas present initial findings from an exploratory community-campus partnership research study that aimed to explore, document, and categorize existing and emergent models of practical farmer training in North America.
Farmer Training Programs Infographic:
Infographic credit: Kaitlyn Ranft
