Sarvodaya Farmer Training Program
Learn to grow on our community farm
Hands-on Learning @ Sarvodaya Farms
At Sarvodaya Farms in Pomona, CA, we offer a Farmer Training Program for anyone interested in learning how to care for soil, raise and care for plants, and grow food at home.
This program is NOT a volunteer program. We do not accept volunteers at our farm outside of our monthly Volunteer Day.
This program is only for those that value the knowledge we offer.
Sarvodaya Farmer Training Program encourages the participation of people of all backgrounds. Our program centers the participation and leadership of people of color, women, non-binary people, and historically marginalized groups.
What We Offer
At Sarvodaya Farms, we care for over half an acre of fruit trees, CA native plants, fruiting bushes, vegetable fields, and a large & diverse stock of nursery plants. Our training program offers an opportunity for you to be part of the care and nourishment of our farm, and learn in the process from our experienced farmers.
Our certificate program requires a 3 month commitment, with the option to extend and continue learning for as long as you'd like.
During that time you'll learn:
- Soil care and management
- Irrigation maintenance
- Seed starting and plant propagation
- Plant care and farm management
- Vegetable and fruit harvest
- Much more than we have time to list here
Trainees learn hands-on skills under the guidance of our farmers, and continue learning at home with online lessons that supplement learning that happens on the farm.
Completion of the Certificate program requires 3 months of weekly attendance, and passing a final exam.
What We Require
- Value Our Work: Maintaining a highly diverse and intricately balanced farm such as ours requires a vast array of skills. It's not rocket science, but it's just as complicated. Trainees must first understand that they are receiving training that is becoming more and more valuable in a society that lacks these skills and understandings.
- Financial Contribution: We require trainees to contribute financially to our work in whatever capacity they can, corresponding with their financial capacity.
- Attendance: A regular weekly commitment of attendance. Trainees must show up on the same day(s) every week from 9am to 2pm, and let us know if they are unable to attend.
- Tools: Every trainee must provide their own hand pruners and harvesting knife. Hand pruners are available to purchase from our store.
Application Process
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Step 1. Complete the Online Application below.
Step 2. We will schedule a "trial day" on the farm with you. This day is for you to ensure our program is the right fit for you, and for our farmers to determine if you are the right fit for our program.
Step 3. Sign paperwork, procure tools, and set a start date.
Please allow 1-2 weeks for our response to online applications.
Please allow 1-2 weeks for our response to online applications.