Farmer Mentor Program
Learning From One Another
Connecting beginning farmers with experienced growers who know the islands and know what it takes to farm here.
The San Juan Islands Farmer Mentor Program matches beginning farmers with experienced farmer-mentors suited to their backgrounds and farming aspirations.
A mentor relationship can take many forms. It might mean walking a field together, talking through a crop or livestock decision, sharing knowledge about local markets, or having someone to turn to when a new challenge arises.
For beginning farmers, (anyone who has less than 10 years of hands-on experience), having someone who understands the realities of farming here can provide practical knowledge, perspective, and confidence that can’t be found in a handbook.
The program can help you find a farmer mentor or mentee, or, if you already have a connection with someone, help formalize the mentorship.
Looking for a Mentor?
Connect with someone who has been there.
Starting a farm takes more than knowing how to grow food. Island farmers face unique challenges around land, markets, weather, transportation, infrastructure, and the cost of doing business. Having an experienced farmer to learn from can make those challenges easier to navigate.
Whether you’re looking for advice on a specific aspect of farming or simply want someone who understands what you’re trying to build, a mentor can offer practical knowledge, perspective, and encouragement along the way.
*For the purpose of this program, a beginning farmer is someone who has been farming for fewer than 10 years.
Become a Mentor
Experience is a priceless gift. San Juan Islands farmers hold crucial knowledge of the unique growing seasons, markets, successful breeds and varieties, important relationships, and so much more.
Ours is a unique region that presents challenges to even the most talented farmers. Having a guide can be a vital component of success for beginning farmers.
Mentoring is an opportunity to share the knowledge you’ve built over years of farming while helping a new generation find its footing. Mentors receive a small stipend in recognition of the time and experience they bring to the relationship.
If you are an experienced farmer ready to share your wisdom with the next generation, we encourage you to reach out.