Interested in Becoming a Farmer?
If you’re considering a career in farming or have recently become a farmer in Arizona, you’re in the right place. We’ve collected the following resources to give you a general overview of how to get started, where to gain job training and experience, and where to find funding and access to capital.
If you’re already producing on a small scale and ready to take your farming operations to the next level, check out these farmer resources to help with creating steady revenue channels and securing your business.
Getting Started: Research and Training
One of the first steps is to research and learn about the unique landscape and challenges of growing food in the desert. Connect with local food growers who are willing to share advice, lessons learned, and opportunities to intern or shadow their operations (find a farm near you: here). There are also wonderful training programs located across our state to provide you with the resources and tools to help you make the leap.
Farmer Apprentice Program through AJO CSA (8 to11 months paid, in-field agricultural training)
Maricopa County Cooperative Extension - Urban Ag/Beginner Farmer Program (open to all individuals who are at least 18 years old)