The California Bountiful Foundation, operating as the 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and education arm of the California Farm Bureau, announced enrollment for "Expanding Our Roots: Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Mentorship Program."
The initiative targets farmers and ranchers with one to ten years of experience in California who may enroll at no cost. Experienced mentors with over ten years in agriculture may also participate and receive financial compensation for providing six hours of mentoring.
The program will match 200 beginning farmers with mentors. Specialty crop growers must comprise fifty percent of participants. Priority consideration goes to socially disadvantaged farmers and military veterans.
Mentoring Topics
Program benefits extend to educational workshops addressing California agricultural regulations, financial incentives, grant opportunities for conservation practices, and resources from UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Funding came through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
