Led by La Semilla Community Farm, this beginning farmer agroecology fellowship offers a mixture of hands-on, instructional, and collaborative learning. Using the farm as a space for both healing and an open classroom where various systems intertwine in a holistic dynamic, this is a great opportunity for beginning farmers or those looking to start their farming journey. We partner with other experienced growers in our region so we can offer a greater diversity of learning opportunities. 

This 6-month paid fellowship offers a hands-on immersive learning experience and instruction informed by the ten agroecology principles defined by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). Biweekly instruction is grounded in a focus on Agroecology as Practice and Agroecology as Movement. Fellows commit to 18 hours per week for the duration of the six months and receive a fair wage. 

This fellowship is designed to be a cohort system with the intention of cultivating community among the fellows and growing a larger supportive network of desert farmers. As members of each cohort, fellows gain experience by assisting with the everyday operations at farm sites across the region, working alongside experienced farmers. In addition to participating in farm tours and discussions with other local farmers, fellows also contribute to the decision-making process and goals setting at their sites and through an Independent Learning Project. Monthly check-ins and instruction are central to the curriculum.

Throughout the duration of the fellowship, fellows are placed at La Semilla Community Farm, as well as Partner Farmer Mentors in our region. 

To learn more and check for updates about the application process for the next cohort, see our Join Our Team page.

Read more about the 2021 inaugural cohort at our blog.