Farm Resilience Mentorship Program (FaRM)

Farmers for Climate Solutions (FCS) is launching the Farm Resilience Mentorship Program (FaRM): a mentorship program to scale adoption of on-farm climate-friendly practices across 2 million acres of farmland in Canada. Manitoba Organic Alliance is proud to be an implementing partner for this exciting new program! We will be delivering the programming for two out of three streams for the Manitoba region. The program is open to both conventional and organic farmers. Through online peer-to-peer learning, FaRM will provide free training and mentorship to 10,000 farmers and ranchers on:

Optimize your use of Nitrogen

Implement Advanced Grazing Systems

Harness the potential of cover crops

Karen Klassen inspecting field peas at Faspa Farm in Manitou, MB

THE PROGRAM

This comprehensive and supported mentorship program will equip farmers with concrete tools to adopt practices that can benefit the environment and their livelihoods. Through FaRM, farmers will have access to online course material and Mentor instruction, as well as Communities of Inquiry, where they can troubleshoot and brainstorm with other farmers, and receive input from Mentors. Farmers who complete FaRM will leave with a management plan to support on-farm implementation. What is a Community of Inquiry? A Community of Inquiry is a meeting space that fosters learning, knowledge sharing and support among peers. Communities of Inquiry can help overcome isolation and build community in a meaningful way.

Ferme Croque-Saisons in Lingwick, Quebec. Photo by: Family farmers Network

THE TIMELINE

FaRM is launching for the 2022 growing season, and will be offered for the next four years. This program is offering:

Coaching for Farmer Mentors now until June 2022
First Farmer Training sessions in July 2022
Second Farmer Training sessions in the Fall of 2022
Additional Training sessions in 2023 and 2024

FAQs

How much does this mentorship cost?

It’s free to join FaRM! We are offering this training at no cost to farmers.

How many courses can I take?

You can join any or all of the three learning streams, there is no limit.

Do I have to be a member of a farm organization to participate in this mentorship?

No, you do not need to be a member of a farm organization to join FaRM.

What kind of computer or internet connection do I need to participate in this mentorship?

During this pilot year of FaRM, most Participants will need access to a computer, email address, and high-speed internet connection. If you do not have a personal computer, a public library computer will work. You can also contact your local Implementing Partner who may be able to assist you in gaining access to a computer and/or an internet connection, or discuss offline learning options. To find your Implementing Partner, select the learning stream of your choice at the top of the page, and follow the instructions. In Manitoba, MOA is the Implementing Partner for the Advanced Nitrogen Management and the Cover Crop streams.

I am Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind or have Low Vision, can you accommodate me?

Please contact Crystal Arsenault at admin@farmersforclimatesolutions.ca to discuss how we can best work together to meet your needs.

I would like to take these courses in a language other than English or French, can you accommodate me?

Please contact Crystal Arsenault at admin@farmersforclimatesolutions.ca to discuss how we can best work together to meet your needs.

Now that I have completed training, can I still access the course materials?

Yes! You will have unlimited access to the online learning system for a year. After you complete the course, you will also have access to all course material to consult and share at any time; we want these resources to be widely available!

Is this mentorship program related to the On-Farm Climate Action Fund?

FCS’ FaRM program and the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) are separate programs that are only informally related. Both focus on the same 3 BMP areas. Both also offer training in the 3 BMP areas, though the training differs in each. Contact your regional OFCAF recipient for OFCAF payment and eligibility details.