Boots-2-Bushels 2021: Boot Camp for Market Gardeners and Farmers
Veterans are asking: “Is farming for me?”
Boots-2-Bushels is a great starting point to help answer that question. In this 9-month program, assess where you are, where you want to go and take your first steps. Explore agricultural enterprises while growing a community of farmers: building confidence, building networks, building a path forward from a whole life/whole health perspective.
The B2B program is designed for military veterans, their family members, and farmers with a disability, and involves ten weeks of online classes (via Zoom) and 6 months of hands-on learning in the field. This program will give you the knowledge, skills, and abilities to go from seed-to-salary in a hands-on, realistic farm business project.
If you are a veteran, a veteran family member, and/or have a disability, you are eligible to join this program.
- Interested in exploring the world of farming?
- Farming already and looking to expand your knowledge and experience?
Registration is open to 20 farms and each farm may send two people to participate. For more information contact our veteran outreach coordinator Anne Devin (anne.devin@maine.edu), or visit our registration website.
The B2B program has been instrumental in all different aspects, like types of land and soil and understanding the restrictive timelines of farming in Maine. The beginning classwork was a little over my head but the instructors were extremely knowledgeable and patient.
When we had to switch over to Zoom meetings [because of the pandemic] I was thankful that the program continued despite COVID. I was grateful for her perseverance.
Most importantly I found wonderful, kind, educated people who wanted to share their experience. I have a whole Rolodex of people I met, a network that I can call upon when I need help. The access to this experience is super beneficial. -LD (B2B 2020 graduate)