Beginning Farmers

NOFA-VT is committed to supporting a new generation of farmers. Our programs and services for early-stage farmers are designed to support farmers who have been in business for 0 - 5 years to meet their business and quality of life goals.     

Farm Beginnings® is a year-long program for aspiring and beginning farmers that is designed to help participants launch or grow their farm business. The course is led by Vermont-based service providers and farmers and features both classroom and on-farm learning.  

The Journey Farmer Program is a one-year program for early-stage farmers who are in the first few years of running their own farm business in Vermont. The program is largely shaped by the farming interests and goals of the Journey Farmers and enables new farmers to advance their farming skills and experiences while being a part of a cohort learning community of other beginning farmers and farmer mentors.

The Farmer Services team also provides early-stage farmers with business planning services (link to business planning page) and other resources to support their success.  We encourage early-stage farmers looking for support to reach out to Megan Browning at [email protected] or 802-434-7180 to discuss what NOFA-VT can offer to best meet your needs.