Performing Department
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Non Technical Summary
Mountain Roots NextGen ReGen Beginning Farmer Training Program - Solutions for Resilience in a Changing ClimateOur current agricultural system is up to a huge task: by 2050, we will need to increase food production by about 70% in order to meet the caloric needs of a global population of 9.8 billion people. Traditional agriculture already uses 70% of global freshwater and 38% of the earth's non-frozen land. Clearing land and maximizing yields through intensive extractive method comes with high social and ecological tradeoffs. Climate change threatens agricultural yields with drier climates in already dry areas and wetter climates in already wet areas, along with many other impacts. These effects will only worsen the food insecurity in cold, dry places around the world. We know that the world needs more farmers, that more access and incentives should be available for people from underrepresented audiences, and that in general Beginning Farmer Training Programs accelerate the learning curve of beginning and aspiring farmers, giving them valuable connections, resources, shovel-ready plans, insight into market opportunities, and the know-how to take their business idea to the next level. Our overall goal is to inspire and prepare the next generation of farmers to address the pressing issues of local /sustainable food resources, food access and equity, water conservation, soil health, climate resiliency, and farmland preservation.Mountain Roots Food Project is a local food systems initiative founded in 2010 and is a leading local agricultural producer based in Gunnison, Colorado, a high mountain region in the central Rocky Mountains that is a headwaters region for the Colorado River, an ERS-documented food desert, and a place where innovative, cross-sector partnerships are working to transform food systems and to improve the social, economic, and environmental health of our region. With key partners Gunnison Gardens and Western Colorado University, over the next three years (2025-2027) we will implement the "Mountain Roots NextGen ReGen Beginning Farmer Training Program - Solutions for Resilience in a Changing Climate." The program will provide supported education, mentoring, training, hands-on experience, and career development pathways to 60 aspiring agrarians over 3 years, giving the knowledge, skills, experience, and tools needed to enter or pursue careers in regenerative agriculture and/or hydroponic farming, with a focus on engaging underrepresented audiences. This immersive beginner farmer training program has two climate-smart agriculture focus areas: Regenerative and Hydroponic farming, and two learning tracks: Seasonal "pathways" Internships and a comprehensive Registered Apprenticeship in Regenerative Farming. Participants in both tracks receive hands-on, experiential training, related classroom instruction, and will attend industry conferences to expand their networks and knowledge base.Track 1: Over three years 36 high school, undergrad students, and/or community members will be placed in introductory level hands-on seasonal internships on working farms and ranches where they will participate in hands-on learning and receive direct mentorship in farming as a pathway to explore careers in agriculture.Track 2: Up to 12 individuals will be enrolled in the immersive, 18-month Registered Apprenticeship that covers 58 core competencies leading to a certificate in Regenerative Farm Management. They will learn Crop Production, Soil Health, Resource Conservation, IPM, Season Extension, Post-Harvest Handling, Marketing, Farm Maintenance, Agribusiness, Land Access, Food Politics & Social Issues, Personal Growth and Professional Development, and optional add-ons in animal husbandry, permaculture design, hydroponics, medicinal herbs. The program will start 4 apprentices each spring so that every year there are four participants starting year one while four are in year two of the program, enhancing peer-to-peer learning opportunities and continuity.While there are other Beginning Farmer Training programs around the country, most cost participants thousands of dollars and may feel out of reach for underrepresented and marginalized audiences. Through a partnership with AmeriCorps, we have a rare program model that supports training participants on both tracks with a living allowance and provides an education award upon completion of the program that can be used to further education or to pay back student loans. Registered Apprenticeship participants receive wages on a 3-tier pay increase schedule. This program will be the second Registered Apprenticeship layered with AmeriCorps in the country.Additionally, our approach includes expansion of DEI in recruitment and placement focusing on underserved audiences including women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and veterans through an Advisory Group and through targeted outreach/pipeline development with high schools, colleges, and affinity groups of target audiences.As a result of this beginning farmer training program, the learning curve of beginning and aspiring farmers will be accelerated, launching them into farm management or independent farming businesses by giving them valuable connections, resources, shovel-ready plans, insight into market opportunities, and the know-how to take their business idea to the next level.Trainees will increase access to additional training, mentoring, and resources to build a career in agriculture. They will gain practical experience and knowledge in regenerative farming practices, enhancing their knowledge and skills. This will lead to improved farm management, including crop planning, pest management, and business operations, resulting in better farm productivity and sustainability. Additionally, apprentices will build relationships with other farmers, agricultural professionals, and community members, expanding their network and potential collaborations.We expect 80% of apprentices to do one or more of the following: establish/expand their own farm; develop a business plan; find work on someone else's farm; pursue advanced education/training; access land/resources to establish/grow farm businesses; engage in networking and mentorship; implement sustainable and regenerative practices.Ultimately, the next generation of farmers will be inspired and prepared to address the pressing issues of local/sustainable food access, soil health, farmland preservation. Graduates of the program will implement regenerative farming techniques on their farms, leading to improved soil health, increased biodiversity, and enhanced resilience to climate change. This can reduce input costs, improve crop yields, and enhance ecosystem services on their farms, leading to increased profitability and long-term sustainability. Regenerative farms are better able to withstand environmental challenges and produce healthy, nutrient-dense food, contributing to improved community resilience and food security in Colorado. Graduates of the program develop strong connections with local markets, distributors, and consumers, increasing access to markets, enabling them to effectively market their regeneratively grown products and expand their customer base. The inclusion of underrepresented audiences in the training program empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to become successful regenerative and/or hydroponic farm managers, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the agricultural sector in Colorado.Key Partners are Mountain Roots Food Project, Susan Wyman of Gunnison Gardens, and Western Colorado University. Collaborators include Infinity Greens Hydroponic Farm, Gunnison Veteran's Services, Cultural Integration Strategies, Southwest Institute for Resilience, AmeriCorps, and numerous working farms/ranches.
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Research Effort Categories
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Goals / Objectives
Overall Goal: The NextGen ReGen BFT Program will provide education, mentoring, training, and hands on experience to 60 individuals over 3 years to give beginning farmers and ranchers the knowledge, skills, experience, and tools needed to enter or pursue careers in regenerative agriculture and/or hydroponic farming, with a focus on engaging 75% underrepresented audiences.Program Objectives* (Aligned with Colorado Dept of Ag's #2 Wildly Important Goal, 2023)Obj 1) PATHWAY/PIPELINE: Design a career pathway between high school, college, and community and the NextGen ReGen BFT Program by coordinating and providing 36 entry/introductory level hands-on seasonal internships on working farms and ranches in cooperation with local producer organizations and educational institutions for high school, undergrad students, and/or community members, with a focus on the engagement of under-represented target audiences.Obj 2) APPRENTICESHIP: Educate and train 12 participants through direct OTJ and Related Instruction (RI) in the 18-month immersive NextGen ReGen BFT Registered Apprenticeship (2025-27). Evaluate and iterate, using participant and partner feedback to revise program design. 75% in soil-based Regenerative Farming and 25% in CEA Hydroponic (Vertical) Farming.Obj 3) EXPAND DEI: Reduce barriers, and increase access for underrepresented audiences in recruitment and placement through a) Representative Advisory Group, b) reducing financial barriers, and c) targeted marketing, outreach, and pipeline development with high schools, colleges, and affinity groups of target audiences.
Project Methods
Program willhave two tracks (Internship or Apprenticeship) and two options for methods of focus (Regenerative and Hydroponic farming).Obj 1) Pathways Internships - an entry/introductory opportunity to explore career pathways in agriculture. 6 cohorts of interns over 3 years (total 36)a. High school - 1 semesterinternship per season - choice of Regenerative (soil) or Hydroponic Farming (2 per year x 3 years = 6 total)b. Undergrad - Semester-long 3-credit internships for Western students - 10 per semester and 2 in summer - focus is regenerative farming, also gain exposure to food security initiatives (12 per year x 3 years = 36 total)c. AWDP internships - 2 per season for people who are not students - hosted and mentored by working farms/ranches in the Gunnison Producer's Guild with a variety of foci (vegetables, livestock, poultry, flowers, hydroponics) (2 per year x 3 years = 6 total)Activities1.1 Recruitment and Selection - seasonally - conduct targeted outreach, interview, select qualified candidates based on their interest, skills, and availability.1.2 Hands-On Experience: Seasonal Internships are offered fall, spring, and summer. Choice of regenerative farms (Gunnison Gardens, Sundrop Flora, Mountain Roots, and others) or Infinity Greens hydroponic farm in Gunnison. Working farms and ranches provide interns with meaningful hands-on experience in various aspects of agriculture, such as crop management, livestock care, or farm equipment operation. Mentors orient to program, safety protocols, farm operations. Interns rotate through different tasks to ensure a well-rounded experience.1.3 Industry Conferences (early spring / late fall) and 'MOB' tours (summer): Interns may attend regional conferences to expand their industry knowledge and develop networks, and may attend a "Members on Board" group farming excursion to destinations around the region for service learning projects in different areas, like fruit orchards or cattle.1.4 Mentorship and Evaluation: Mentors provide guidance and support throughout the internship. At conclusion of internship, we conduct regular evaluations to assess interns' progress, provide feedback, and address any challenges or concerns.Obj 2) Registered Apprenticeship - A comprehensive, competency-based, immersive training program, spanning two growing seasons (18 mths), with 75% in Regenerative Farming at Gunnison Gardens/ Mountain Roots and 25% in Hydroponic Farming (CEA) at Infinity Greens. The work process schedule has 58 core competencies in 12 categories: Crop Production, Soil Health, Resource Conservation, IPM, Season Extension, Post-Harvest Handling, Marketing, Farm Maintenance, Agribusiness, Land Access, Food Politics & Social Issues, Personal Growth and Professional Development, and optional add-ons in animal husbandry, permaculture design, hydroponics, medicinal herbs. The program will start 4 apprentices each spring so that every year there are four participants starting year one while four are in year two of the program, enhancing peer-to-peer learning opportunities and continuity.Activities2.1Related Instruction / Classroom Curriculum (RI) 144 hours, follows RAP work-process, ongoing throughout the 18 months depending on topic (see list above).2.2Immersive Field Experience (OTJ) at Gunnison Gardens, Mountain Roots, and Infinity Greens - direct mentorship with a maximum 3:1 master-to-apprentice ratio providing 2000 hours of OTJ per trainee in the categories and competencies above.2.3Field Rotation with established, experienced local farmers and ranchers to expand participants' experience to include hydroponics, 4-season greenhouses, pastured poultry (chickens and eggs), ranching (beef cattle and sheep), and other sites practicing regenerative techniques in cold climates (RI and OTJ)2.4Developing Professional Networks & Industry Knowledge: Attendance at two of three conferences - the Western Colorado Soil, Food, & Farm Forum;AgriSummit; Regenerate2.5Expand Opportunities in Colorado: "MOB" (Members on Board) farming trips and farm tours to 2 farm/ranch destinations further afield each year;2.6Certifications: Food Safety, First Aid/CPR, RAP Regenerative Farm Manager, optional PDC (Permaculture Design Certificate)2.7Annual Assessment / Evaluation.Obj 3) Expanding DEI, reducing barriers, increasing access:3.1 Advisory Group - Form in fall 2025, meets annually. Develop an advisory group to strengthen future program activities and outreach. Ideal composition of the committee would include representation of several of the following: farmer, rancher, hydroponic grower, food business, food hub, Western faculty, student rep, women, a member of Hispanic community liaison, veterans service officer, someone identifying as LQBTQ+, CSU Extension agent rep, and other training partners like the Four Corners Training Network for High Desert Farmers.The advisory group's role includes providing feedback on program design, assisting in community outreach, networking to connect with resources, advocating for diversity in agriculture, participating in program evaluation, and aiding in resource development. They will meet annually to ensure the program meets the needs of diverse and underserved audiences, engage potential participants, connect with community leaders, evaluate program impact, and secure funding and partnerships. Overall, the group would play a crucial role in guiding, supporting, and advocating for the program's efforts to serve diverse and underserved audiences in agriculture.3.2 Targeted outreach/marketing. Partners including Mountain Roots, Western Colorado University, Gunnison Gardens, Gunnison Watershed School District, Gunnison Valley Producers' Guild, Colorado Workforce, and AmeriCorps will promote opportunities. The Program will work with gatekeepers like our Hispanic / Cora Community Liaison, Veterans-to-Farmers, AmeriCorps, and others identified by advisory group to customize outreach and promote position to specific audiences.Strategies may include: form partnerships with local community organizations to expand reach; ensure marketing materials are culturally sensitive and tailored to the audience's needs; use multiple languages to make information accessible; engage directly with the community through events and workshops; utilize social media and digital marketing for online engagement; share success stories / testimonials to inspire others; promote offer incentives (stipends, housing, wages) to increase program appeal; and ensure visibility in community spaces and local media.3.3 Reducing financial and other barriers - ongoing support is built into the program design and budget, offering living allowance/wages, housing support, mental health support, veterans' service support, and affinity groups.iv. Recruitment: Participants will be recruited at the national, state, and local levels. Locally: from local high schools, through the guidance counselors, from the current undergraduate student population at Western, through the ENVS academic advisors, and in the Gunnison Valley community, through a) public promotion, such as social media, e-newsletters, word of mouth, and b) through community partnerships with agencies that either serve or are comprised of members of the target audience. Wider-reach recruiting includes:Websites / clearinghouses like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Backdoor Jobs, Good Food Jobs, DiversityJobBoard.com, etc.Via AmeriCorps. (my AmeriCorps.gov)Target sources where diverse candidates congregate, for example, online and offline groups dedicated to women in agriculture, or hydroponic technology. There are also platforms specifically designed for veterans, such as RallyPoint and Military.com, which are popular among veterans for networking, accessing resources, and staying informed about military-related news and events.Referrals via community partners and their direct marketing to target audience networks