The goal of the First Nations Native Farmer and Rancher Apprenticeship Network is to provide training and Technical Assistance (TA) as well as networking opportunities to a cohort of 30 select Native American Beginning Farmer and Ranchers (BFRs) to expand their business capacity and strengthen land management strategies. Eligible applicants should be located in one of the following six states: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Applicants should be willing to commit to a 30-month apprenticeship, which will involve traveling to regional in-person trainings, participating in virtual webinars and fieldwork, and networking with other producers. The purpose of this apprenticeship is to support Native BFRs to build their business capacity and agricultural management of their operations to increase local production of and community access to food, conservation plan development, business plan development, marketing/branding, Native agricultural traditions, and natural resources management.

Selected Native American beginning farmers and ranchers will receive an incentive not exceeding the amount of $7,500 over the course of 30 months. In addition, each apprentice will receive individualized technical assistance to deepen their work.

Apprenticeship support is made possible through funding from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture.

The apprenticeship period for this funding opportunity is February 1, 2022, to July 31, 2024.

For more information or to apply, visit the program website, or contact the First Nations Development Institute by email or phone (303-774-7836).