Over the course of ten weeks, participants will write a detailed farm plan, as well as gain valuable insight from experienced farmers and receive optional one-on-one mentorship – all using an online/virtual format.
Comprehensive Webinar Workshops:
Start with your farm vision, and turn it into a solid plan you can use to guide you through the first years of farming. Topics covered will include:
- Farm design and vision
- Choosing a farm enterprise
- Completing a marketing plan
- Meeting legal requirements for small businesses
- Production planning
- Farm financials
- Record-keeping and data management
Panel Discussions:
In addition to webinar workshops, participants will hear different strategies, challenges, tips and advice from panels of experienced farmers in an online meet-up. Each farm does things a little bit differently from the next – this is a great opportunity to use the experiences and insight from other ecological farmers to help decide what’s best for your future farm.
Case Studies and templates:
Benefit from the experience of other farmers through case studies and access to templates for financial planning, production planning, data tracking and record-keeping.
(Optional) One-on-one mentorship:
Once their farm plan is complete, participants will have the option of being paired with an experienced farmer for feedback and advice. This is an invaluable opportunity to get advice specific to you, your situation and goals. *Farm plans should be completed within 1 month of completing the program in order to access one-on-one mentorship.
Access to start-up funding for Northern Ontario new farmers:
If you’re planning on starting up a farm in Northern Ontario, you may also be eligible to receive cost-share funding to cover 50% of start-up equipment and other capital expenses, to a maximum of $10,000. A farm plan will be required to access cost-share funding and must be submitted along with the funding application. Applications for funding will be accepted starting April 1st, 2021.
More information and registration coming soon.
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