The Center's Small Farm Education project has a 6-month classroom training program that is open to the whole family. The Risk Management Agency has a big stake in the success of this program and the outreach activities of the Center.
Participants get a chance to practice their new skills before they're on their own.
They enter a three-year apprentice relationship with the Center renting a half acre the first year that progresses to five acres the last year. Graduates and practicing farmers of the Latino community also have access to outreach training and technical advice from the Center. Families have a financial as well as educational investment in their success. Through the Center they are able to obtain a line of credit and get technical assistance. The goal is to train the farmers to manage their farms as businesses.