Applications will be reviewed by the OGS Farmer Programs team and accepted on the basis of applicant experience, farmer and farm readiness, and your stage in The Farming Journey. Each applicant may be asked to do an informal interview—either in person or by phone—to discuss the program and determine if Journeyperson is a good match for the potential participant’s needs.

The program runs for one year, from November 2022 to October 2023. The cohort meets monthly for virtual or in person meet ups of 2 hours.

Workshops take place in November, January and February and range from 4 – 6 hours each. We will know closer to those dates if they are in person or virtual.

The mentorship with an experienced mentor is 15 hours, and starts once you are matched.

The program will be a blend of in-person and virtual connection. OGS will follow all current COVID-19 protocols at in-person events. We will be observing and adjusting as needed.

Eligible applicants have:

• A minimum of three years independently farming 
• A demonstrated commitment to farming in the Southern Appalachian region
• Production goals of feeding their community and region
• A demonstrated commitment to sustainable practices

Although not required, The Journeyperson Program is best suited for applicants that have the following: 

• Secure medium to long-term land tenure (such as owned land or a lease contract)
• A focus on livestock and/or crop production for direct-to-consumer and/or wholesale markets
• An established farm business that needs support to refine their vision, apply whole-farm planning practices and willingness to fully utilize the resources of the program.

Not you? Don’t fret! We have programs applicable to all stages of farming education.
Complete the Growing the Next Generation of Farmers Worksheet to determine
the best place for you to plug into our training programs.

The course fee is a sliding scale from $500- $1200 and applies to a farm unit (1–2 individuals who are business partners, family members or life partners). The course costs OGS at least $1500/ farm to run.The program allows two partners who apply and are accepted together to benefit from the dual enrollment. See Tuition and Scholarships page for more detailed information. 

If you are applying with a farm partner, they must also fill out the entire application. Space is limited to 10 farm applicants.

The sliding scale is an option we are offering to make the course more accessible. Please do not be deterred! In addition, we offer Scholarships and payment plans and we encourage you to apply. Both farm partners must apply if they are requesting a scholarship.

If accepted, the full course fee OR a down payment must be paid by November 10th, 2022 to secure your spot in the course. Payments can be made via credit card or check. We will provide further instructions for making payment following acceptance in the program

Applications open in June for the 2022-2023 cohort.

You can apply using the online application

Application Check List (only complete applications will be reviewed):

• JP Primary Application
  • 2 references (2 professional)
• JP Partner Application (optional)
  • 2 references (2 professional) for partner if applying
• Scholarship Application (optional)
• Growing the Next Generation Worksheet (included in online application)

Be sure to review all application requirements before submitting:

• Application must be received by October 31st, 2022.
• Be sure all required parts are submitted at once. Only completed applications will be reviewed.
• You will be notified regarding course acceptance or denial via email once we have reviewed your applications.
• We may contact you by phone for any follow-up questions regarding your application.
• Scholarship awards will be sent via email.
• Correspondence will be sent to both applicants only.