Knowledge & Experience

Building your skills and getting the right experience BEFORE you start your venture, or at least invest a significant amount of time, can dramatically impact success.  Taking the time to learn from experienced growers, from mistakes of others and different options and opportunities should be part of your transition plan.  Seeing a season through from planning to planting to weeding to harvest can be invaluable.   In addition to learning agricultural and business skills, you

• will learn about yourself – your strengths, weaknesses, interest, passions and areas for improvement. 
• will demonstrate commitment and credibility to potential lenders, business partners and your spouse.
• will gain insight into the risks, their management and the challenges of different kinds of production and marketing

Training and learning opportunities very often lead directly to business opportunities.  Experienced farmers may be looking to transition some or all of a business to a new entrant.  Given the growth in the organic sector, many farmers are eager to support the growth of new farmers, as they are not seen as competition.  Adopting similar production methods and increasing supply could create the critical mass required for large contracts, for the development of logistic infrastructure, or the sharing of equipment. 

Formal and informal learning opportunities are numerous on the Atlantic organic community. The Organic Path has outlined a number of tools, guides and resources.  New and transitional entrants may be interested in SOIL Apprenticeships, WWOOFing, OACC web courses or annual events like the ACORN Conference and Trade Show   and the MOFGA Common Ground Fair

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