Participate in an introductory mentorship conference call. ⢠Communicate on a regularly scheduled basis with your ment
NOFA/Massachusetts · 411 Sheldon Rd · Barre, MA 01005 978-355-2853 · www.nofamass.org Growing Organically Since 1982 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Growing Specialty Crops in High Tunnels Grant Mentorship Program Overview Through the Growing Specialty Crops in High Tunnels Grant, NOFA MA will engage and educate farmers on best practices for growing organically using high tunnels and other season extension methods. One of the objectives will be to establish six high tunnel/season extension mentor-mentee pairs, matching six experienced growers with six less experienced growers—two of whom will be socially disadvantaged farmers.
Mentorship Program Expectations Mentor • Embrace your role as an educator for your mentee on the topics of high tunnels and season extension. Share your knowledge through on-farm visits, email, and phone calls. Recommend resources for your mentee. • Participate in an introductory mentorship conference call. • Communicate on a regularly scheduled basis with your mentee. Also address his/her questions on an as-needed basis. Document these communications. • Make time to communicate quarterly with the High Tunnel Specialist regarding your mentorship. • Host an on-farm workshop in 2018 focused on your high tunnel techniques and practices. • Present at the final day-long grower seminar in Fall 2018. • Complete quarterly evaluations. Mentee • Participate in an introductory mentorship conference call. • Initiate and maintain ongoing communication with your mentor for the two-year duration of the program. • Attend at least three workshops on high tunnels or season extension. These will be offered throughout 2008 at the mentors’ farms and at the Summer and Winter NOFA Conferences. You will receive a scholarship to cover expenses. • Maintain a journal documenting high tunnel and season extension practices that you have learned that will improve production, increase efficiency, improve economic return, or result in conservation of resources. • Make time to communicate quarterly with the High Tunnel Specialist regarding your mentorship. • Complete quarterly evaluations. Stipends • Mentors: $2,000 stipend ($1000 per year for 2017 and 2018) • Mentees: $750 o $400 Stipend: $200 stipend for two years (2017 and 2018) o $350 Scholarship: $175 scholarship for two years to cover attendance at workshops and conferences
Applications • Apply to be a Mentee or a Mentor Online by Completing This Form: High Tunnel Mentorship Program Application • Direct all questions to our coordinator, Brittany Overshiner:
[email protected]
Program Requirements for Participants in the Mentorship Program Program Requirements for Mentees Communicate in a timely manner with the program coordinator and mentor. Initiate and maintain ongoing communication with my mentor throughout the program. Complete quarterly evaluations for NOFA/Mass, to update the Beginning Farmer Program Coordinator on the progress of my mentorship. Submit a short bio and photo for the NOFA/Mass Beginning Farmer webpage. Participate in the introductory conference call and three workshops on high tunnels or season extension. The Mentorship Program fee covers admission costs to each of these educational opportunities. Record progress through journaling, which will be reviewed by the program coordinator. Submit a final document, describing key experiences in the program and lessons learned during the program. Be a NOFA/Mass member in good standing for the duration of the program. Program Requirements for Mentors Participate in the introductory conference call. Submit a short bio and photo for the NOFA/Mass Beginning Farmer webpage. Maintain ongoing communication with my mentee throughout the program and work with them to achieve significant progress towards the mentees goals. Complete quarterly evaluations for NOFA/Mass, to update the Beginning Farmer Program Coordinator on the progress of my mentorship. Host an on-farm workshop addressing some aspect of high tunnels and season extension. Present at the final all-day grower seminar in Fall 2018
