Training Programs
NESFP offers a diversity of training opportunities to help beginning farmers get started with their own agriculture enterprises:
- Explore Farming! Course
- Field Workshops
- Start Farming on Training Farms
- Farm Business Planning
- Technical Assistance
- Transition to your Own Farm
- Marketing Assistance
Who participates?
Primarily, NESFP services are geared towards immigrants, refugees, and asylees in Massachusetts who want to own and operate an agricultural enterprise. However, the program is beginning to expand to respond to the needs of non-immigrants. You would be considered as a candidate for NESFP programs if:
- you are interested in beginning farming on a small scale and need technical assistance to develop a business and marketing plan
- you want to familiarize yourself with farming conditions in the Northeastern US (crop production, land access, marketing opportunities, financial management, credit opportunities, organic certification, risk management strategies)
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Immigrant, refugee, or asylee to the US; US citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (see below) status
- English proficiency or access to reliable translation services
- Access to transportation to travel to farms and trainings
- Farming experience / background from country of origin or in US
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)
Any person not a citizen of the United States who is residing the in the U.S. under legally recognized and lawfully recorded permanent residence as an immigrant. Also known as "Permanent Resident Alien," "Resident Alien Permit Holder," and "Green Card Holder." Individuals with Temporary Protected Status are also eligible to apply. Individuals with transient legal status will be considered on a case by case basis.
