MSU organic farmer training program expands to four Michigan locations

Michigan State University’s (MSU) Organic Farmer Training Program will expand to Flint in 2027, giving participants four Michigan locations for hands-on beginning farmer education.

Edible Flint will become the program’s newest learning site, joining Keep Growing Detroit, the MSU Student Organic Farm in East Lansing and New City Farm in Grand Rapids. Participants select one site as their primary location for hands-on instruction while taking part in the statewide program.

The 2027 program will meet Mondays from February through November. Training includes more than 20 visits to sustainable farms and food system organizations, interactive online learning, more than 20 farmer guest speakers and hands-on instruction.

Participants also develop an individual farm plan covering goals, resources, production and marketing strategies. The program is designed for beginning farmers, farmworkers, homesteaders, educational gardeners and others interested in food systems.

The Flint location will allow participants to train with Edible Flint, an organization focused on food access, community-based agriculture and urban agriculture education.

“There has been so much support from my fellow farm classmates throughout this journey,” Vantina Jenkins, a 2025 program graduate, said. “Everyone brings different strengths and experiences, and we’re constantly learning from each other.”

Applications for the 2027 program are due Nov. 15, 2026. Applicants must submit an application, resume or CV and two letters of recommendation, and visit a farm or meet online.

Three scholarship programs are available for eligible participants in Detroit, Flint and West Michigan. The Flint Farmer Scholarship will support eight farmers transitioning their farms to certified organic.