Overview

A community/urban farmer oversees a community garden or farm facility with the focus of bringing people within that community together and connecting them to where their food comes from. Community supported agriculture allows people to explore how traditional farming methods have changed while sharing the risks and rewards across multiple stakeholders. This role is also responsible for general farm maintenance, land cultivation, harvesting and other farm-related tasks.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Collaborate with community members to maintain and grow a community farming network
• Assist new and existing community farm participants with farming methods, recommendations of produce to grow and how to maintain their garden or farm plots
• Identify and address targeted community issues i.e., the purpose of the farm (to connect neighbors, create a food source for homeless in the community, collaborate with local food banks etc.)
• Create and manage farm social media content
• Organize community events such as seasonal celebrations, educational opportunities for students, field trips, etc.
• Develop and adhere to a budget
• Organize fundraisers, volunteer events, apprenticeships or workdays for others to contribute their time and efforts to maintaining the farm facilities
• Schedule employee or volunteer shifts to ensure adequate staffing during busy seasons
• Oversee plant health including planting, fertilizing, watering, weeding and harvesting
• Stay up to date on weather conditions and adjust farm maintenance plans accordingly
• Perform mechanical farm tasks such as equipment maintenance, repair or upkeep
• Perform general trade tasks such as farm plumbing, electrical repair or facility construction
• General care of community farm animals (if applicable)

What education and training is required?

An associate or bachelor’s degree in plant science, horticulture, agribusiness, agriculture science or a related field is required. Candidates must also have hands-on, working knowledge of how farm labor and tasks change with the seasons in specific location. General trade knowledge such as welding, construction, mechanics and electrical knowledge is also a plus.

To pursue a career as an Community/Urban Farmer:

The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, horticulture, animal science, accounting, communications, agricultural mechanics and environmental science.

Where can I work?

Employers may include nonprofit organizations (e.g. Feeding America, Meals on Wheels, The Hunger Project), local community organizations and municipalities (a city or town’s government), agricultural extension offices, colleges and universities.

Future Job Market / Outlook

Fair

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• American Community Garden
• National Farmers Organization
• State and local agriculture associations