Our network of Greenmarket farmers markets and Farmstands, coupled with GrowNYC Wholesale, ensures that all New Yorkers have access to the freshest, healthiest local food.
If you are interested in learning more about Farmer Assistance's Beginning Farmer Program please email bfp@grownyc.org.
GrowNYC Farm Beginnings is a comprehensive agricultural course developed for farmers by experienced farmers and Farmer Assistance staff. The program is designed for a wide range of participants looking to start farm enterprises, including farmers with agricultural experience from their home countries, NYC and urban farmers looking to scale-up to rural farming.
Applicants with at least one full season of farming experience or extensive growing knowledge will be considered for the Farm Beginnings course which occurs Thursday evenings in October to December. The course covers values-based goal setting, financial planning, marketing, access to land, capital, and legal requirements and considerations.
Applications for 2024 are now closed. Applications for the 2025 Farm Beginnings course will open in September 2024. If you'd like to be notified when applications open, sign-up here.
Mentoring
In addition to the classroom sessions each participant will have the opportunity to meet with an experienced farmer mentor to gain skills in a relevant agricultural enterprise.
Technical Assistance
Farmer Assistance provides technical assistance to all graduates of the Farm Beginnings Course. Staff will support you in creating a concrete farm plan and in taking the steps necessary to start farming.
Field Days and Workshops
As part of the Farm Beginnings Whole Farm Planning course we offer a series of beginning level skills workshops and on-farm field days. These events are designed to give aspiring farmers a sense of the agricultural region around New York City while also introducing them to some of the farmers who have previously graduated from the course.
