Vermont and U.S. Virgin Islands Join Forces to Train a New Generation of Climate-Smart Farmers

Farm Force Boot Camp Equips Participants with Critical Skills for Sustainable Agriculture

Randolph, VT – October 18, 2024 – The White River NRCD, in partnership with the Bennington County Conservation District, the Virgin Islands Women in Agriculture Association (VIWIAA), and the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture (VIDA), proudly announces the success of the Farm Force Boot Camp. This immersive training, held from October 2nd to 9th at Vermont State University’s Randolph campus, is the first phase of a year-long Conservation Career Workforce Development Program under the Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC).

A Year-Long Journey Toward Sustainability
The Farm Force program, now in its third year of development, aims to train and certify 30 young adults from Vermont and the U.S. Virgin Islands in climate-smart agricultural practices and conservation planning. Funded by AmeriCorps and the USDA, the program provides participants with the opportunity to become Level 1 Certified Conservation Planners, a valuable credential recognized nationwide.

“We received overwhelming interest, with over 50 applications for just 30 spots,” said Jennifer Byrne, District Manager of White River NRCD. “This highlights the growing enthusiasm for careers in sustainable agriculture.”

An Intensive Boot Camp Experience
Over the course of eight days, participants engaged in a rigorous schedule of workshops, farm visits, and leadership activities designed to equip them with practical knowledge and skills. Highlights included:

• Farm Visits and Hands-On Training: Participants explored farms specializing in beef and dairy grazing, diversified vegetable production, agroforestry, and maple syrup operations. These visits provided firsthand experience in soil health management, irrigation techniques, and crop diversity.
• Workshops by Experts: Sessions led by experts like Cat Buxton and Mike Bald covered critical topics, including regenerative agriculture, invasive species management, and conservation planning.
• Community Building and Leadership: Daily leadership circles and evening professional development sessions fostered collaboration and camaraderie among participants.

Cross-Regional Collaboration for Climate-Smart Farming
This Vermont-based boot camp represents the first of two intensive training sessions. In February 2025, the program will continue in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, where participants will gain exposure to tropical agricultural systems and climate-smart practices tailored to island environments.

“This collaboration bridges geographical and cultural divides, creating a unified workforce ready to tackle the challenges of climate change in diverse agricultural settings,” said Diana Collingwood, President of VIWIAA.

Meeting Workforce Needs and Food Security Challenges
The Farm Force initiative directly addresses a critical shortage of trained conservation planners and technicians. By building this workforce, the program helps unlock access to federal funding for sustainable agricultural projects and enhances food security in Vermont and the Virgin Islands.

Looking Ahead
Organizers are now planning the next phase of the program, incorporating participant feedback to refine future sessions. Monthly online seminars will sustain the momentum and allow participants to continue sharing knowledge and experiences.

About the White River NRCD
The White River NRCD is a non-regulatory entity supporting land stewards in Vermont through education, outreach, and technical assistance. Established under the 1939 Soil Conservation Act, the district now addresses a broad range of natural resource concerns.

For more information, visit whiterivernrcd.org.

Contact:
Jennifer Byrne, District Manager
White River Natural Resources Conservation District (NRCD)
Phone: 8862-432-3980
Email: whiterivernrcd@gmail.com
Website: whiterivernrcd.org