Thinking of starting an agricultural business, or reshaping an existing one?
Exploring the Small Farm Dream is intended for those who are considering farming. Its purpose is to help aspiring farmers learn what it would take to start and manage their own commercial agricultural business, and decide whether this is a path they really want to take. It will help you identify and assess personal motivations, business and farming skills, and available resources, as well as clarify values. The goal of Explorer is to help you decide whether starting an agricultural business is right for you, and – based on that decision – plan your next steps.
NOFA-NJ’s Exploring the Small Farm Dream workshops and courses use materials recently developed by the New England Small Farm Institute’s Small Farm Development Center. The most complete experience is a four-week, twelve-hour course based on a series of worksheets designed to encourage a thorough and thoughtful self-analysis. Our classes are taught by well-prepared instructors with practical experience with new small farm businesses, and offer you a chance to meet with other folks with similar interests, but often very different business ideas. The regular schedule, instructor guidance, classroom discussion, field trips and guest speakers provide the motivation and a timeline for completing your work, and will help you answer the question: do I really want to start a farm-based business? Our shorter workshops will give a taste of the full course, enabling you to complete the workbook’s worksheets on your own or commit to a full course when you are able.
Full Course Schedule:
Our first full Exploring the Small Farm Dream course at Mercer County Community College was a sold-out success! A repeat of this class in now in session. If you would like to indicate interest in a future class, please send your contact information to nofainfo@nofanj.org.
Sponsoring an Overview class or full course:
If you or your organization would like to sponsor an Overview or full course, please contact Karen Anderson at NOFA-NJ, 609-737-6848 or kanderson@nofanj.org.
Exploring the Small Farm Dream website:
www.smallfarm.org/explorer