2022 Farmer-in-training (FIT) Program

From ALIANZA AGRICULTURA DE TAOS

Alianza Agricultura de Taos is proud to be partners with Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado! Get college credit while you farm!

As Alianza Agri-Cultura de Taos continues to increase the connections made between agricultural landowners and growers/farmers, we know that we must also provide opportunities for new or young farmers to get as much hands-on experience as possible.

Did you know that a new farmer is still considered “new” even with 10 years of experience? Consider all the skills and knowledge a farmer must have—a good farmer is also a soil scientist, engineer, mechanic, business owner, botanist… and the list goes on.

The Farmers-in-Training (FITs) at Ft. Lewis College will give you hands-on experience growing vegetables at high elevation. Through morning field work, afternoon classes, and field trips, the FIT program provides a strong foundation for aspiring and beginning farmers.

We encourage you to apply to this program or share this opportunity with someone that you know. Help us connect with the next generation of farmers in our region!

2022 Farmer-In-Training Program

Space is limited Priority Deadline February 28 to apply!
2022 Program Dates: May 16 to October 14
• Orientation: May 16 – 20
• Course 1 & 2: May 24 – July 7
• Course 3 & 4: July 12 – August 25
• Course 5 & 6: August 30 – October 13

Course Fees:
$2,100 for 6 courses, with full and partial scholarships available

Hourly wages:
approximately $3,350 total, $300 every other week

Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF):
For FITs who identify as Native American, grant funds provide an additional living stipend of $2,500 per summer and provide at least 50% scholarships.

FIT Program
Requiring a commitment of about 25 hours per week, FITs work with program staff to tend 2-3 acres of vegetable production, learning skills and techniques vital to farming at high elevation. FITs join the Old Fort (the nearby original site of Ft. Lewis College) staff and program partners in a network committed to supporting beginning farmers through incubator and other land access opportunities, business planning, and community support. The Old Fort will provide a list of short-term housing options, but housing is not provided.

Program graduates will have completed:

• Six summer short courses (each meets for 2 hours/week for 7 weeks)
• Over 250 hours of work in the fields
• At least 8 field trips to exemplary regional farms

Applications & Information:
Positions are open until filled. Priority given to applications received by February 28, 2022.
Email: ewwhittlesey@fortlewis.edu
https://www.fortlewis.edu/about-flc/initiatives/the-old-fort/farmer-training/farmer-in-training-fit-program

Application form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDcoFCRt8_45caO0yYdIpH0ydrNmnk5wnbUNFzXNsO9joFlg/viewform