Winter is a great time for farmers to rest, slow down the pace, and build new skills for the coming growing season. The Cornell Small Farms Program, whose mission is to foster the sustainability of diverse, thriving small farms that contribute to food security, healthy rural communities, and the environment, is pleased to announce a winter roster of online courses available through its Northeast Beginning Farmer Project. These courses help practicing and would-be farmers learn from the latest research-based education available from Cornell University.

Photo © Robin Simmen

Since 2006, the program has offered high quality, collaborative learning environments online and each year educates hundreds of beginning and established farmers through these courses. From aspiring to experienced farmers, there is a course for nearly everyone. If you are interested, a handy chart on the course homepage can direct you to the right courses for your experience level. And you may qualify for a 0% interest loan to finance your farm! Participants who complete all requirements of one or more online courses are eligible to be endorsed for a 0% interest loan of up to $10,000 through Kiva Zip.

The courses consist of weekly real-time webinars followed by homework, readings, and discussions on your own time in an online setting. If you aren’t able to attend the live webinars, they are always recorded for later viewing. Each course costs $200, but up to four people from the same farm may participate without paying extra. Courses often fill up quickly, so if you’re interested, visit the Cornell Small Farms Program website to learn more today.

Robin Simmen is Community Horticulture Specialist for CCE Suffolk. She can be reached at rls63@cornell.edu or at 631-727-7850 x215.