Farm Incubator

The top four barriers to farm start up are access to land, equipment, capital and training. The goal of the Seed Farm Ag Incubator is to break these barriers and provide new farm businesses with a successful foundation.

The Seed Farm Ag Incubator provides new farmers with the opportunity to start their own farm businesses with reduced risk and significant mentorship support. Land, infrastructure and equipment are available at reduced rental rates.

The incubator program is available to graduates of the Seed Farm apprenticeship program. After completing the one year apprenticeship, participants apply with their completed farm plan. Successful applicants farm as “Stewards” at the Seed Farm. Resources available include 1.5-3 acres of land; cooler, greenhouse, and dry storage space; tractor and implements. The Seed Farm also provides mentorship to help Farm Stewards successfully start their new farm businesses. The farm manager assists new farmers with developing effective production and marketing techniques, and solving with weed, pest, and other problems, as they arise. Monthly “farm update” meetings between the farm manager and all farm stewards facilitate information- and idea-sharing, a critical component in building an effective learning community.

For details download the Seed Farm Program Guide.