2012 Urban Farming Certification Program

Applications for our 2013 Urban Farming Certification Program is now open!  Click HERE to apply today.

Download the 2012 Urban Farming Certification Flyer (pdf)

When

Courses began January 3^rd and run through September 29^th, 2012.

With over 60 workshops and classes to choose from, you have the opportunity to custom design a schedule that fits your lifestyle and needs.

See Events Calendar for all the upcoming workshops, events and activities that are included in this program. 

Cost

1. Basic Program: $800
2. Full Program: $1,200
3. Intensive Program: $1,500

Work exchange opportunities are available upon request

Partial scholarships are available upon request

2011 Urban Farming Certification Program Gallery

Why Become a Certified Urban Farmer?

In 2011, PRI Cold Climate successfully completed a groundbreaking model for creating a local, just, sustainable, and economically viable food system in our cold climate region. With over a decade of experience in urban soils, water management, sustainable landscape design, high-yield urban agriculture production, and season extension, PRI Cold Climate brought together a new, comprehensive educational curriculum that launched the region's very first Urban Farming Certification Program.

In 2012, PRI will train 30 new individuals as Certified Urban Farmers. The Urban Farming Certification Program is designed to meet the growing market demands for commercially certified urban farmers, while strengthening community development efforts within the Twin City's local food movement. In addition to preparing you for high-yield, productive farming, our program will provide you with the skills and certification required to become an entrepreneur in emerging local food initiatives.

For questions, email PRI Education Director Maggie McKenna: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Program Overview

This comprehensive 9-month Urban Farming Certification Program weaves together in-class and outdoor practical farming and design courses needed to turn any urban lot into a certified, highly productive urban farm. With customized learning opportunities alongside professional permaculture designers, urban farmers, and urban farming mentors in our region, 2012 trainees have the rare opportunity of entering into a supportive community of peers and professionals as they learn from a range of local wisdom throughout the season.

How Do I Become a Certified Urban Farmer?

The application process for our 2013 Program will begin in June.  Applications are reviewed by a panel of experienced Urban Farming Designers and Teachers. Individuals accepted into the program will be expected to complete one growing season in addition to the core courses and evaluation standards.  

Urban Farming Certification Requirements

After being accepted into the Urban Farming Certification Program, applicants are expected to complete 10 core classes and participate in a cohort with two other farmers. Each cohort will design their own farm plots and receive individual design evaluations in addition to two on-site evaluations of their farm and production facilities during the growing season. Optional farm tours are also organized to provide real-world examples of successful urban farms.

Course Topics Include:

• Introduction to Permaculture
• Organic and Bio-intensive Growing Systems
• Urban Soils
• Soil Fertility Management
• Integrated Pest Management
• Water Management
• High Production Urban Polycultures
• Business, Marketing, Production Skills
• Seed Starting
• Harvesting and Handling Produce
• Seed Saving and more

After completing the certification program, all attendees will receive an official Urban Farming Certificate through PRI Cold Climate and will attend a graduation ceremony honoring the Twin Cities' new fleet of Urban Farmers.

Program Costs

At PRI Cold Climate, it is our goal to make sure our programming is accessible to anyone and everyone interested in becoming certified in urban farming. To ensure all applicants are given an equal opportunity to partake in our certification program, we have provided a variety of options to fit your needs.

Program Levels

There are three program levels for farmers to choose from for the Urban Farming Certification Program. Check out the options below and determine what level will best fit your farming needs.

1)   Basic Program: $800

• Includes 10 core classes
• 1 design & production schedule review from your professional mentor
• 2 walk though evaluations of your plot
• Placement in a cohort of farming peers to assist your efforts throughout the season

2)   Full Program: $1200

• Includes 10 core classes
• 10 elective courses
• 1 design & production schedule review from your professional mentor
• 2 walk though evaluations of your plot
• Placement in a cohort of farming peers to assist your efforts throughout the season

3)   Intensive Program: $1500

• Includes 10 core classes
• 20 elective courses
• 1 design & production schedule review from your professional mentor
• 2 walk though evaluations of your plot
• Placement in a cohort of farming peers to assist your efforts throughout the season

Payment Options

Download the 2012 Urban Farming Certification Brochure (pdf)

Sponsorship Program

In order to have the program available to all sectors of the community, we need partners like you. Please become a sponsor today! We are working to create a mutually beneficial relationship between farmers and sponsors. Any type of sponsorship is appreciated, whether land-based or financial. Details of the contract will be worked out at the drafting table prior to the growing season. 

You should not have to go into the program alone. There are a number of different ways that PRI and community sponsors can assist you in paying for the program. Please let us know any and all barriers to joining us this season. 

Throughout the season PRI will continue to look for scholarship opportunities for low-income students. 

Pay as You Go

For most farmers, program fees are important to space out during the season, so we have created a “pay as you go” process available to all farmers.

Work Exchange

We have created multiple work exchange opportunities available to applicants looking to become more involved in the program while partaking the certification program.

Scholarship Opportunities

We are honored to have the opportunity to provide partial scholarships to youth, low income, and immigrant farmers in our area! Thanks to the Seward Co-op, our ability to expand this year’s program accessibility now allows more communities and farmers the opportunity to gain deeper training and certification in the field.

Program Cancellation/Reimbursements

Joining UCFP  is a 9 month commitment and as such we expect full participation from all farmers to ensure participants gain as much as possible from the experience.  However, we understand that there are some circumstances that are out of anyone's control.  Below is PRI's Program Cancellation and Reimbursement Policy.

• If you need to cancel before the program begins, we are happy to refund 100%.
• If you've attended 0-25% of the course, you will be refunded 75% (minus the cost of classes attended)
• If you've attended 25-50% of the program, you will be refunded 50% of program fees (minus the cost of classes attended) 
• If you've attended more than 50% of the program, we cannot offer any reimbursement of program fees

*We encourage your continued education through PRI.  If you find you are interested in more classes than your UFCP track provides, please contact the Program Director to upgrade your program. Participants are also always welcome to register for additional classes individually at full price.