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Event
Growing Power's Farmers For Chicago (FFC) - New Farmer Incubation Program
"We must strengthen and grow both rural AND urban farming to support a sustainable, secure food system for everyone."
Will Allen, Founder and CEO, Growing Power, Inc.
Become a Farmer for Chicago!
Join the Movement that has become a Revolution!
Are you ready to start farming in the city?
Do you want to transition into a living wage occupation that transforms you and your community?
Do you want to see your produce and products on the shelves of a local corner store?
Farmers for Chicago (FFC) New Farmer Incubation Program
Supported by USDA NIFA Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program
Farmers for Chicago is designed for individuals who have made the decision to grow food commercially in the city, have completed a farm training program, know how to farm, and are ready to get started!
The goal of this initiative is to support emerging farmers and provide incubation for the urban agriculture industry in Chicago. One of the biggest challenges, for any new farmer, is to secure farmland. This is almost impossible in large metro areas, such as Chicago, without a great deal of capital and political support. There are many training programs locally and nationally, but few that incubate urban farmers who are ready to start their operation, on land they can farm on for long term.
Program Components
All Farmers for Chicago (FFC) classes and the tool share will be housed at Growing Power's Chicago Iron Street Urban Farm, which is situated on a seven-acre formally abandoned industrial warehouse in Bridgeport. Iron Street Urban Farm has the vision to "grow" healthy soil and energy, using closed-loop ecological practices in order to produce local, healthy, and sustainable food year-round for Chicago. Within its first year, Growing Power has already implemented seven hoop houses for year round food production, three 700-gallon aquaponic systems, mushroom production, a roof top apiary, in vessel static composting, and vermicomposting.
Successful trainees will gain an opportunity to participate in Growing Power's farmer incubation program annually. Participants will have an opportunity to strengthen and implement their farm business plan, manage their own farm (ranging from 20' x 40' to 1-acre), and sell their produce.
WORKSHOP DATES FOR 2015:
All are from 9am to 4pm at our Iron St. Farm Location
January 24- Seeding your Future: Farm Planning and Vision and Crop Planning
February 7- Sell! Sell! Sell!- Marketing Your Products and Financial Planning
March 7- Certification for Your Farm Operation: GAP and Organic Certification
April 4- Building Healthy Soil: Fertility, Soil Health, Bed Building and Seeding
May 9- Hoop House Construction
Payment:
The total cost for the Farmers for Chicago Program is $2,500 which can be paid in full up front prior to the first workshop (1/24/15)
Monthly Payment Option:
A $200 non-refundable deposit is due upon acceptance in order to secure your spot in the Farmers for Chicago New Farmer Incubation Program. The deposit is a portion of the $2500 total fee.
Monthly payments of $460 are due on the Monday listed below. A $35 fee will be assessed for late payments. Payments must be current in order to participate in the monthly workshop.
Payment due dates:
January Deposit -- $200.00
Monday, February 16, 2015 -- $460.00 due
Monday, March 16, 2015 -- $460.00 due
Monday, April 6, 2015 -- $460.00 due
Monday, April 27, 2015 -- $460.00 due
Monday, June 8, 2015 -- $460.00 due
Total payment: $2500.00
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LocationGrowing Power's Iron Street Farm
3333 S. Iron Street
Chicago, IL 60608
United States
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