NOFA-NY Announces Two Farmer-to-Farmer Mentorship Programs
The NOFA-NY Mentorship Program will assist (as a free benefit of NOFA-NY membership) beginning or transitioning-to-organic farmers in finding a farmer mentor who will help them develop their career and farming practices. Drawing from a network of farmers who are eager to share lessons learned during their many years of farm experience, new farmers (“mentees”) will be able to find the right match for their needs. Farmers have the freedom to shape the mentorship as it fits their needs and communication styles. NOFA-NY supports participating mentors and new farmers throughout their year of mentorship (which can be extended indefinitely after the first year), providing logistical support and information about best practices for a functional and fulfilling mentor-mentee relationship.
Through an exciting partnership with Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, new and experienced farmers can also engage in short-term technically-focused relationships as part of the Technical Consultancy Program. With the Technical Consultancy Program, beginning farmers will have access to a roster of experienced farmers, listed by areas of expertise, and can contact those farmers for short-term assistance. The Technical Consultants will be compensated on an hourly basis for their work with the beginning farmer participants. Find out more and get involved today at www.nofany.org/mentorship and www.nofany.org/technicalconsultancy