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Young Farmer Training Program

Farming Apprenticeship for Teenagers

DO YOU WANT TO CREATE A BETTER FOOD SYSTEM?
Join other teens in growing food and farmers on our 6-acre Raleigh farm!

The IFFS Young Farmer Training Program is a paid multi-year farming apprenticeship for youth in Wake County. IFFS Raleigh Farm hosts apprentices two days per week beginning each Spring. Apprentices grow vegetables, herbs, mushrooms and flowers on our 6-acre Raleigh farm, helping feed IFFS distribution across 200 agencies in seven counties. YFTP apprentices are leaders that co-design and implement profitable farm plans, market their farm products while keeping good records, cook and share healthy meals, teach the community about farming and gardening, and advocate for a better food system. After graduation from their first year, apprentices can apply for a second year YFTP apprenticeship. 

Food justice, inclusivity, meaningful economic development and environmental stewardship are pillars of YFTP.

WHO CAN JOIN THE PROGRAM?

  • Wake County teens ages 15-18  who are interested in farming and ending hunger in their community
  • No previous farming experience necessary!

WHERE IS THE PROGRAM?

  • Most days YFTP apprentices are on our IFFS six-acre Raleigh farm on Tryon Rd. Monthly field trips include community gardens, farms, homesteads, and food sites.

WHEN IS THE PROGRAM?

1. Applications Due: March 12th

2. Working Interviews at 4505 Tryon Rd: March 19th and 20th from 4pm-7pm

3. Sessions (applicants should plan to attend all 3 sessions as they build on each other): 

  • Spring into Farming: April 3 - June 2: Tues 4-6pm & Sat 9am-1pm
  • Summer on the Farm: June 12 – August 18: Tues 9am-1pm & Sat 9am-1pm
  • Fall for Farmers: August 28 - October 27: Tues 4-6pm & Sat 9am-1pm

WHAT YOU GET:

  • Weekly stipend, weekly fresh vegetables, and healthy recipes
  • Scholarship opportunities for workshops, conferences and courses
  • Extra income from sales of vegetables, flowers, herbs
  • Hands-on farming and business management skills
  • Culinary and nutrition training; experience cooking with farm fresh food
  • Connection with other teens and local farmers
  • Certificate for each completed training session
  • Opportunities, resources and land to manage your own farm or garden project

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE OR APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM?

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Feeding America
United Way of the greater Triangle