Form

Application For OGS Journeyperson Program

January 2025 - November 2025

The Journeyperson program is designed for beginning farmers who have been independently farming for 3 to 7 years. We acknowledge that the advanced beginner farmer has specific support and technical assistance needs that more generalized programming does not meet. This program is designed to give tailored guidance and support for your farm business, and for 2025, will focus on renewal, resilience, and recovery for farms after Helene.

Please read the Journeyperson page on our website and the following information to understand the requirements to participate. This 12-month program is a commitment. Be sure you understand the ins and outs.

Workshops: January, and February 2025: Virtual/In person
Matched with an experienced mentor for one-on-one mentoring
CRAFT membership
Identify & connect with regional resource providers (lenders, small business centers)
Every month virtual cohort meetings
12-month program

Our requirements are:

A minimum of three years of independent farming
A demonstrated commitment to farming in NC
Production goals of feeding their community and region
A demonstrated commitment to sustainable practices

The Journeyperson program, while open to any farm that meets the above criteria, is best suited for farms that have:

Secure medium to long-term land tenure*(owned land or a lease of over one year)
A focus on livestock and/or forest/production for direct-to-consumer and wholesale markets
An established farm business that needs support to refine its vision, apply whole-farm planning practices, and have the time to utilize the resources of the program fully.

Course Fee:

We are able to offer 2025 Journeyperson for FREE to a number of participants.

Apply online, and you will be notified regarding acceptance via email after we have reviewed your application on a rolling basis.

Questions? Email: nicole@organicgrowersschool.org

OGS's Commitment to Social Justice

OGS Farm Beginnings® Participants are expected to adhere to OGS's Commitment to Social Justice through the use of our Conversational Guideposts established in the classroom.

First name*

Last name*

Will a family member or business partner attend OGS Journeyperson with you?*

Yes

Farm Name (if applicable):

Street address

Street address 2

City*

State/Region*

Postal code*

County*

Phone number*

Applicant's Email:*

Which pronouns do you use?*

He/him/his

She/her/hers

They/them/theirs

Other

If you selected "other," please feel free to self describe

Do you have any allergies or other medical conditions that are important for us to know about?*

Yes

If yes, please tell us about them:

What is your age range?*

18-25

26-39

40-65

Over 65

Are you a veteran?*

Yes

Do you currently own land where you will be/are farming?*

Yes

Do you currently have access to land where you will be/are farming, which includes leased land, family/friend’s land, or other arrangement?*

Yes

If so, do you have a lease for at least one year?

Yes

What are your farming short term (1-5 years) and long term (6-10 years) goals?*

Why are you interested in the Journeyperson program? *

What kind of knowledge and skills do you hope to achieve by participating? *

Indicate which best describes your intended farming involvement in 5-10 years.*

If you selected other:*

What do you see as your biggest obstacle in the next few years at your farm?*

Other (please list):

In a few sentences, please describe if Helene has impacted your farm and how.*

Please share any questions, concerns or comments you have about the Journeyperson program.

Please list two professional references and your association with them. (Name, phone, and email only.)*