The University of Maine Cooperative Extension offers a comprehensive nine-month hybrid training program (online and in-person) for all beginning farmers. Participants will acquire the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully grow produce for small private or commercial fruit and vegetable operations. Online training begins January 17. The program continues twice a month until the end of September and includes field days throughout the growing season.

Boots-2-Bushels: boot camp for market gardeners will cover topics such as soil health and crop planning; no-till production; vegetable and fruit production; food safety; integrated pest management; tools and equipment; agricultural marketing and economics; and more. Subject matter experts from UMaine Extension, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, and local farms will serve as instructors. Participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Registration is open to all beginning farmers; priority will be given to veterans, their family members and farmers with disabilities. The $150 fee includes course materials and in-person farm tours. For out-of-state veterans who cannot attend farm tours, the registration fee is reduced. For more information and registration instructions, see the program webpage. Places are limited and registration closes December 14. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Anne Martin, 207.944.1533; [email protected].

Boots-2-Bushels is a project of Maine’s pleasantnessa federally funded program that addresses health, safety and injury prevention on the farm, on the water and in the forest.