The National Incubator Farm Training Initiative (NIFTI) offers over 200 resources compiled from dozens of organizations across the country related to best practices for Incubator Farm Projects.
From sample curricula, to farmer leases and manuals, to site management protocols, NIFTI's library contains a wide range of tools to help your organization better serve beginning farmers.
If you have a resource you would like see, or one you would like to share with other incubator farm community of practitioners, contact nesfp@tufts.edu.
Sample of the student handbook for New Entry's Farm Business Training Course: includes first session (of six) with course introduction and marketing lesson.
Document that provides an overview of the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, including history, staffing, budget, resources, activities, goals, and lessons.
Document from the Farley Center that answers questions from the IRS pertaining to their application for 501(c)(3) status. Includes information on the organizations plans for farming, local food distribution, CSA sales, training and costs, educational/ charitable purpose, and yearly workshops provided. Following the submission of this information their 501(c)(3) application was approved.
Twelve case studies of farm incubator projects from across the U.S. conducted by the National Incubator Farm Training Initiative. Each case study is four full pages of information, including basic demographics (legal structure, numbers of staff and farmers served, acres, programs offered, etc.) as well as detailed discussions of project background, structure, operations, project management, lessons learned, and much more. The case studies also provide links to supplementary documents that offer insight and examples of the organization's work.
Farm report survey from the Intervale Center that asks farmers to report on the 2013 season, including marketing, income, labor, land use, and growing practices.
Annotated list of resources compiled by the New Entry Sustainable Farm Project to assist incubator farm operations. Includes goverment programs, private companies, NGOs, grassroots groups, and consultants.
Word document outline for fees due to incubator farm from farmers. Should be adapted to specific incubator farm projects. All Regions. English Level: Beginning. Farming level: n/a. Literacy Level: Low. Key Words: fees, organizational maintenance.
A brief overview of New Entry's farmland matching program, which helps connect farmers who get started on the incubator sites with available farmland in Eastern Massachusetts. Document includes program history, staffing, resources, and key activities.
Word doc flow chart for farmers to illustrate different variables that affect their business planning. All Regions. English Level: emerging. Farming level: Beginning. Literacy Level: Moderate. Key words: business.
New Entry collaborates with dozens of local, regional, and national organizations to create sustainable local food systems and successful farmers. Find out more.
