Marbleseed Farmer-to-Farmer Mentorship Program

The Marbleseed mentorship program empowers organic farmers through one-on-one guidance as they grow their business, seek organic certification, add farm enterprises, hone production skills, balance farm and family, and more.

The mentorship program empowers organic farmers through one-on-one guidance as they grow their business, seek organic certification, add farm enterprises, hone production skills, balance farm and family, and more.

Beginning in January, mentors and mentees work together to set goals for the mentorship year and build a communication system tailored for their individual needs and preferences.

Unlike many internship programs, the mentored farmer is not required to help on the mentor’s farm. Instead, the mentor visits the mentored farmer at least once during the year and is available to communicate and answer questions via phone and email.

Both mentor and mentee receive complimentary registration for two years of the Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference, the country’s premier education and networking event about organic agriculture. The pairs begin planning at one conference and wrap up their formal relationship at the following year's conference.

The pair also receives updates throughout the year regarding other organic educational opportunities, such as field days and workshops.

Mentored Farmers

Applicants must have been operating their farm business for at least one year prior to application date. We have found that farmers at this stage have more experience with basic farming issues and know where they need guidance. 

Mentors

The Marbleseed team matches experienced farmer mentors with a mentee, paired by specialty and proximity to each other’s farms. Mentors receive a stipend for sharing their time and knowledge with a mentee. Additional requirements are listed on the application form.

There is no cash award, cost-share, or payment attached to this program — and none is claimed. What you get is one-on-one time with an experienced organic farmer: "Get 1-on-1 guidance from an experienced organic farmer" to "Learn best practices for your type of organic farming operation," "Develop skills to add a new enterprise to your farm," and "Move your organic farm forward with experienced guidance."

No award ceiling, rate, cost-share percentage, participation fee, stipend, or commitment term is published on the program page. Marbleseed does not state a cost to mentees either. Applications are rolling — the page says only "Marbleseed offers various opportunities to learn directly from experienced farmers. We add new opportunities as they become available."

The related Organic Dairy Coaching track is likewise in-kind: coaches "offer personalized, one-on-one technical assistance" by phone, email, virtual meeting, or on-farm visit, and mentees contact coaches directly from published profiles. One coach describes the flexibility plainly: "My mentorship is what you want it to be."

Worth applying for if you want expertise and accountability, not capital. For dollars, pair it with a cost-share or equipment program.

To be paired with a farmer for mentorship, apply online using this portal.

To apply to be a mentor, apply online using this portal.