CRESTED BUTTE - In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Serve Colorado is excited to announce the launch of a new Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) in regenerative farm management, aimed at fostering the next generation of agricultural professionals in Colorado. This program not only addresses the pressing need for sustainable farming practices but also provides a pathway for diverse communities to engage in the agricultural sector. 

This new RAP is the result of a collaborative effort supported by a 2022 Scale Up Grant from the State of Colorado. Over the past 18 months, dedicated partners, including local experts and educational institutions, have come together to design a comprehensive training program that meets the evolving needs of the farming industry. This initiative is poised to create meaningful job opportunities while promoting environmental stewardship and community resilience. 

"We are thrilled to introduce this new pathway for aspiring farmers," said Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera. "This apprenticeship not only prepares participants for successful careers in agriculture but also addresses the growing need for sustainable farming practices in Colorado. By combining AmeriCorps service with hands-on apprenticeship training, we are creating a unique opportunity for individuals to gain valuable skills while serving their communities." 

The program aims to place its first two apprentices by December 31, 2024, with training and work scheduled to begin in March 2025. With a structured pathway that allows for continuous growth, the apprenticeship will maintain a cohort of four members each year, fostering a supportive learning environment. 

Mountain Roots Food Project has been instrumental in designing the apprenticeship and will serve as the sponsor agency and AmeriCorps Program grantee. "In an era of global change and local food insecurity, this program is more relevant than ever. We’re not only training skilled farmers; we’re empowering future leaders who understand the link between soil health and community health. Every apprentice who joins us takes part in that vital mission to grow a regenerative future,” said Holly Conn, Director the Mountain Roots Food Project. "This apprenticeship opens doors for those who might never have seen themselves in agriculture. By prioritizing underrepresented voices in farming, we’re not only building new career paths but also fostering a more inclusive, resilient food system where everyone has a stake." 

The RAP will focus on two primary tracks: regenerative agriculture and hydroponic farming. Each apprentice will receive a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 144 hours of related instruction. Local, knowledgeable farmers will provide hands-on training for apprentices. This immersive experience will also include opportunities to attend conferences, enhancing their networks and skill sets beyond farming. 

"The Regenerative Farm Manager Registered Apprenticeship program is all-encompassing and includes opportunities to learn business, accounting, and self-care – not just how to grow food. It will teach apprentices how to run the farm business and how to take care of yourself at the same time,” said Susan Wyman, Eco-Farmer at Gunnison Gardens, an implementing partner of the RAP. "The Registered Apprenticeship offers credentials, credibility, and commitment to learning 52 core competencies that a regenerative farm manager will need. I'm prepared to teach everything I know about farming and marketing to help young farmers, to invest in careers in agriculture.” 

“Developing Colorado’s next generation of agricultural leaders is vital to the stability and future of agriculture and workforce development in our state,” said Amanda Laban, Markets Division Director at the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “Organizations like Mountain Roots Food Project provide the necessary and tireless commitment needed to train and support our youth as they work to become competent and skilled farm managers. In turn, this creates a strong foundation for ag businesses to improve broader workforce opportunities for the people of Colorado. Mountain Roots’ continued efforts educating and training young leaders in regenerative ag practices inspire us at CDA and energize other organizations leading agriculture and Colorado into a brighter future.” 

Interested individuals are encouraged to learn more and apply through the Mountain Roots Healthy Futures webpage. For more information on the Registered Apprenticeship Program in Farming, please visit https://www.mountainrootsfoodproject.org/healthy-futures. 

For more information about Serve Colorado and apprenticeships, visit https://servecolorado.colorado.gov/americorps-and-apprenticeship. 

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov. 

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.