Regenerative Farming Training Programs

Explore Your Farm Dream Course

Explore Your Farm Dream is a four-day course designed to support individuals who are considering small-scale commercial farming. This interactive learning experience helps participants understand what it takes to launch and manage a successful farm business. Through guided activities, discussions, and real-world insights from local farm visits, participants explore the practical, financial, and personal aspects of farming with the goal of making an informed decision about pursuing agriculture as a business. The program is ideal for aspiring farmers who are evaluating whether to take the next step toward farm ownership or operation. While the primary focus is on commercial farming, the course also honors the diverse motivations people have for exploring agriculture. For those who determine that a for-profit farm isn’t the right fit, the course offers alternative pathways to stay connected to the land, food systems, and community-based agricultural work. 

The Benefits & Outcomes 

Skills Self-Assessment &
Vision Alignment

Exploration of Agricultural Landscapes

Resource Assessment 

Reflection & Planning Next Steps

Course Details

When: April 30th, May 1st, 2nd & 9th 

Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm

Cost: $150

Location: Hybrid*(in-person & virtual)

Registration is now closed for our 1st Explorer Course of 2026

If you have questions, please contact
Sonya Montgomery

Sonya Montgomery

Or join our mailing list to be the first to hear about upcoming courses – click HERE

Josephine Allensworth
Farmer Training Program

The Josephine Allensworth Farmer Training Program, a 7-month initiative, serves as the APA’s foundational workforce development initiative, making Allensworth a center of regenerative farming education, contributing to ecological repair and a climate resilient local food system. founded to provide opportunities to women and people of color to enter agriculture and create new regenerative agriculture farmers in California’s Central Valley. The land-based farmer training program guides students through a seven-month program teaching complete cycle farming, including farm equipment, soil health, business operations and finance, and access to loans, grants, and land. The training is designed with cultural components reinforcing their place in agriculture. At the end of the -month course, trainees will complete a business plan to begin their small farm business. The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) provided grant funding in 2023-2024 for the first three years of the program and in 2024, the first graduates successfully completed the 7-month program. Applications for 2026–2027 are now closed. Stay tuned for upcoming learning opportunities.

The Benefits & Outcomes

Participating in Site Visits and Farm Tours

Receive Staff Support and Build a Professional Network

Completing an Independent Study Project and Business Plan

Learn from Subject Matter Experts

How Our Classes Work

Course Length

Course lengths and objectives vary across programs. The 4-day Explorer Course serves as an introductory experience, helping students explore their interest and readiness before committing to the 7-month Farmer Training Program.

Books and Class Materials

All required books, handouts, and online resources will be provided and tailored to each course. Spanish translations for course materials will also be available this year

Locations

Classes may be offered fully in person or as a hybrid, depending on the program.

Explore Your Farm Dream (Hybrid): In-person sessions are held in Visalia, CA, and Allensworth, CA.

Exact addresses will be provided upon registration

Childcare

This course is designed for adult learners, and we recognize that some participants may require childcare to attend. Be sure to inquire about available childcare options when enrolling.

Attendance Policy

Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions to get the most out of the program and to qualify for a certificate. If you need to miss a class, the instructor will work with you to help ensure you stay on track with your coursework.

Days and Times

Explorer Course:

4-day program: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and the following Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Josephine Allensworth Farmer Training Program:

This program requires a commitment to classes on Thursdays and Fridays for seven months, with occasional Saturdays for site visits and farm tours.

Additionally, participants will need to attend field sessions one Wednesday per month.

Please contact Sonya for the most current schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The course is designed for BIPOC participants, recent graduates, entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, and all who want to learn more about starting a farm from an equitable, inclusive, and regenerative perspective. We aim for an average class size of  8-12 participants to keep the discussions focused and to ensure that we are able to serve individual needs. 

  • The education team from the Allensworth Progressive Association will be leading the program. Guest speakers and subject experts will be invited to present on the many topics that will be covered throughout the course.

  • As part of the courses, each participant will be given homework assignments designed to help deepen their understanding and  encourage thoughtful reflection. These assignments are not graded or reviewed, so there’s no pressure, they’re simply a tool  for students to use at their own pace. The goal is to support the learning journey and spark ideas for discussion during class.  Participants should feel free to bring any questions or thoughts to the group; we encourage an open, collaborative environment  where everyone can learn and grow together. 

  • Explorer Course: 

    The course fee is $150. An early bird discount of 20% is available, reducing the cost to $120.

    Josephine Allensworth Farmer Training Program:

    The program fee is $4,897. This cost includes expert-led classes, hands-on training, individual meetings with the Program Coordinator, and farm visits. 

    Participants may choose to pay the full amount upfront or in two (2) installments. Work-study options may also be available.

  • To enroll in the Explorer Course, complete the registration form.

    To enroll in the Farmer Training Program, applicants must submit a written application by the specified deadline. Staff will review all applications, and selected applicants will be invited to participate in an interview. After the review process, applicants will be notified by email about their status and next steps.

  • For this year’s Explorer course, we will provide translation and interpretation in Spanish.