Farm Incubator Program

Do you need space and support to grow your farm business?

Affordable land access is often a barrier to entry for farmers in this region. To help address that issue, SAA has developed flat, fenced arable land available for rent with access to ag water for irrigating crops, cold storage, processing shed with potable water, and a tool library with some necessary items. The incubator farm also provides mentorship, support with business planning, and the opportunity to farm in a community setting with other farmers and ranchers. Land access is not limited to only people interested in pursuing the well-known “market farm” model; SAA encourages all types of applicants and different scales of food production.

Applications are due by February 28, 2025 for priority consideration in this year’s farm cohort

Interested applicants should fill out the application form below. Someone from the SAA office will reply when we’ve received your form.

For people who are a good fit for the program, here are some of the details about what you’re signing up for:

Farmers in the incubator program commit to at least one year farming the land, with the agreement automatically renewing annually for up to three years. As we know, farming can sometimes go sideways, so if that happens, participants agree to clean up their area of the field and cover crop it when they leave. Participants are expected to abide by upkeep and soil management practices specified in their agreement with SAA. Farmers will be invited to attend trainings and workshops that are part of the program and to participate in periodic work parties that help keep the farm space operating and welcoming for everyone.

Fees include:

On-boarding fee $150
Security deposit $400 (refundable)
Land: $20 monthly
Tool Libray and Facilities Access: $20 monthly
Tractor work (optional): $60/hr

If you have any questions, call or write SAA Director Michael Foley at office@adaptiveagriculture.org or 707 510-7473.

Incubator Farm Application

Applicant Details

Only one application form is needed per farm. If two or more people are proposing to farm together make sure to make clear each partner’s farming skills and experiences and provide a brief resume for each partner.

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Farm Partner's Name

First

Last

Phone *

Best Mailing Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Country

Desired Parcel Size (Parcel size for first-year farmers is ½ acre. Do you anticipate needing less than that?)

Besides shared equipment and facilities, you may rent one or more caterpillar tunnels. Do you anticipate using a caterpillar tunnel?

Briefly summarize your proposed use of the opportunity. Are you starting a farming business, or do you have other aims? What do you propose to do with the land? Be as specific as possible. *

If you are starting a farm business, briefly describe the business plan for your farm. What do you intend to produce? How do you propose to market your product? How has the community demonstrated a need for this crop or product?

List the owners of this farm business. What is each person’s role and expected contributions?

What are the financial, quality of life, and other goals you seek to achieve with your farming venture? *

Please describe your experience in farming and/or gardening. What personal qualities, skills, or knowledge do you possess that will help you to be successful in this venture? *

How do you plan to sustain yourself financially while you are building your new farm business? What contingency plan do you have to supplement your farm income? *

What do you project to be your on farm availability throughout the season? How many days a week or hours weekly do you anticipate spending working on the farm?

What does sustainable farming mean to you? What “sustainable” practices will your farm utilize? *

Please provide a simplified budget for year 1 on the incubator. a projected income compared to a list of expenses to yield a net income is sufficient for these purposes. *

I am willing to commit to farming a plot of land at the School of Adaptive Agriculture and to maintain it according to SAA guidelines over the next year. I will attend required workshops and trainings and will participate in common maintenance of the property.

My commitment *

Name *

Date *

Proposed Start Date

References

Please provide names and contact information for three references.

Reference 1 Name *

First

Last

Phone

Reference 2 Name *

First

Last

Email *

Phone

Reference 3 Name *

First

Last

Email *

Phone

Supporting Documents

Resume/CV

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

Cover Letter

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

You may upload a cover letter to add anything you think relevant to your application that hasn’t been covered by the questions above.