US: Applications Open For Brooklyn’s Next-Gen Farmer Training Program
Square Roots | 08.05.19
The fourth season of the Square Roots Next-Gen Farmer Training Program at our Brooklyn farm campus starts October 2019. Applications will be open August 5 through August 23 at 11:59 pm EST. Apply now.
This year’s cohort of Square Roots Next-Gen Farmers harvesting hyper-local basil in the climate-controlled farms on our Brooklyn farm campus
Shaping a New Food System
The food system is changing rapidly all around us. People are increasingly demanding healthy, locally-sourced food. At the same time, technology is enabling entirely new systems to grow delicious food in the middle of cities, all year long. And young, diverse change-makers are now finding their place in an ever-evolving agriculture industry. There’s never been a more exciting time to forge a new career in farming. The opportunities to contribute to the real food revolution are endless. The big question is: how do you get started?
The Square Roots Next-Gen Farmer Training Program
Square Roots is an urban farming company with a mission to bring local, real food to people in cities around the world by empowering next-gen leaders in urban farming. Our Next-Gen Farmer Training Program is at the heart of what we do—providing an accessible pathway to the forefront of urban agriculture for more young farmers. Our farmers grow a variety of fresh and flavorful greens and herbs in indoor, vertical farms, right in the heart of cities. Our produce is non-GMO, pesticide-free, and hand-harvested.
Square Roots Next-Gen Farmers harvesting, packing, and sharing hyper-local herbs in Brooklyn, New York
This October, Square Roots launches the fourth season of our Next-Gen Farmer Training Program at our Bed-Stuy farm campus in Brooklyn, New York. We’re looking for passionate and dedicated future farmers to join our team. No farming experience is necessary—just the dedication and excitement to jump in and start learning.
Similar to traditional farmer apprenticeships, the Next-Gen Farmer Training Program is a full-time job, in which farm skills are learned through hands-on training and application of skills in a production environment. This is complemented by curriculum focusing on plant science, controlled-environment agriculture, and leadership in farming. Skill-building related to successful farm management is emphasized throughout the program, including but not limited to observation, problem solving, troubleshooting, interpersonal communications, management skills, and cultivating trust. After initial training in our modular, hydroponic growing systems, farmers are responsible for growing quality food on a consistent basis to meet customer demand—with the guidance of our expert Farm Management Team. Farmers are also integral to customer-focused marketing and community events, as we bring local, real food to local customers, all year round.
The experience gained in one year with the Next-Gen Farmer Training Program might take several years to develop in a traditional farmer apprenticeship. And while many people enroll in degree programs to study agriculture, plant science, or related fields, there are only a handful of places to study emerging and innovative types of agriculture, such as urban or controlled-environment agriculture. Our program provides an accelerated pathway into the sector and prepares farmers for roles as leaders in urban farming—without having to pay tuition. Over the past three years, alumnae/i have gone on to start their own urban farms, join forwarding-thinking agriculture companies and organizations, and move into permanent positions on the Square Roots Team.
The Future of Food
The future of our food system is in the hands of our farmers. Through collaboration, open minds, and full transparency, Square Roots believes that we can shift to a system that brings value to people, the planet, and the economy. This shared value system drives our Next-Gen Farmer Program: and now we want you to join us as we play our part in the real-food revolution.
The fourth season of the Next-Gen Farmer Training Program at our Brooklyn farm campus in New York starts in October 2019. Applications will be open from August 5 through 23, and more information can be found on the Square Roots website via www.squarerootsgrow.com/program.
Learn more about our Next-Gen Farmer Training Program.