Our Program
Holistic farm incubation
Our programs are designed to develop resilient farmers and thriving businesses:
Farm Apprenticeship Program
- Hands-on training: Apprentices work alongside experienced farmers in every aspect of farm operations—soil health, crop rotation, irrigation, pest management, harvesting, marketing, and financial management.
- Comprehensive curriculum: Classroom learning complements field work, ensuring participants master both ecological and business principles.
- Mentorship: Each apprentice is paired with a seasoned mentor who offers guidance and support.
- Community engagement: Apprentices participate in farmers’ markets, community events, and educational outreach, strengthening their networks and building a sense of belonging.
- Business incubation: We help apprentices craft business plans, connect with lenders, and navigate certification processes (USDA organic, FDA).
- Environmental stewardship: Regenerative practices such as cover cropping, composting, no-till farming, and agroforestry improve soil health and reduce inputs.
Horticulture Therapy Program
- Our therapeutic gardens and mindfulness practices (meditation, yoga, nature walks) provide farmers with evidence-based tools to manage stress and improve mental health. Studies show horticultural therapy reduces stress and anxiety and increases well-being and self-esteem.
- Confidential counseling services and peer support groups foster emotional resilience.
- Education workshops empower participants to prioritize self-care and mental well-being.
Farmer Training Workshops
- Our workshops cover sustainable agriculture fundamentals—crop planning, soil health, water management, pest management, harvesting and post-harvest handling, marketing, business planning, equipment maintenance, regenerative agriculture, community engagement, advocacy, farm safety, and personal health. Participants apply their learning in a real farm setting and culminate the program by implementing a sustainable farm plan.
Rural Support & Services
- We partner with industry experts to offer telehealth and compliance support, ensuring rural farmers have access to healthcare, regulatory guidance, and technical assistance. We connect farmers with experts who share best practices and help them adapt to evolving market and regulatory landscapes.
Unique resources
- Access to land: Participants can rent land at Finca Colibrí, giving them space to test and expand their operations.
- Farm tool library: Our tool library reduces start-up costs by providing access to essential equipment.
- Market readiness support: We guide producers on go-to-market strategies, value-added products, and retail and wholesale channels.
- Vertical integration and certifications: We help participants integrate production, processing, and distribution, and navigate USDA and FDA certification processes.
By integrating these elements, we cultivate farmers who are technically skilled, mentally healthy, and economically savvy, farmers who will lead the next wave of agricultural transformation.