Farmer Training Program

The Farmer Training Program is a hands-on initiative designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful urban farmers.

We provide aspiring farmers and growers with a structured curriculum that covers various aspects of urban agriculture, including sustainable farming practices, soil health, crop planning, pest management, and marketing strategies.

Participants in the program have the opportunity to engage in practical training at UFI's farm in Mattapan, where they will learn essential techniques like seed starting, transplanting, and harvesting.

Through a combination of classroom instruction, fieldwork, and mentorship, the Farmer Training Program empowers individuals to launch their own urban farming ventures, contribute to local food production, and foster a resilient and sustainable community.

Please Note: Registration is full for the 2026 Farmer Training Program. If you would like to be added to the waitlist for the 2027 cohort, please message us at info@urbanfarminginstitute.org.

Eight-Week Classroom Instruction

During the 8-week classroom portion of the Farmer Training program, participants will learn from UFI staff, facilitators, and guests who will cover a range of topics to provide a basic foundation of knowledge for aspiring urban farmers. The topics covered in the 8-week curriculum will be as follows:

Week 1: Introduction to urban farming, overview of food and farming systems

Week 2: Soil, plants, and water

Week 3: Soil health and crop selection

Week 4: Crop planning and record keeping

Week 5: Markets, harvesting and safety

Week 6: Community relationships

Week 7: Business planning and budget basics

Week 8: Farming resources and graduation

Twenty-Week Field Work Instruction

Participants in the 8-week classroom portion of the Farmer Training program will have the option to apply for the 20-week field work instruction. During this portion of the program, trainees will work alongside UFI’s farm team for a hands-on learning experience throughout the course of a growing season on our six working urban farms in Dorchester, Mattapan, and Roxbury.

The field work is a paid, part-time commitment (20 hours/week). During this time, trainees will receive instruction and gain experience in areas including (but not limited to): plant propagation, seed starting, field preparation, transplanting, irrigation systems, harvesting, pest and weed management, trellising and plant maintenance, seed saving, preparing produce for market, marketing and selling produce, composting methods, community outreach, fermentation, and food storage.

In addition to field work, trainees will conduct an independent project of their choosing with support and mentorship from farm staff and local experts. There will also be visits to a range of farms and food businesses during bi-weekly field trips within the Greater Boston area.