Our Next-Gen Farmer Training Program is Empowering Michigan’s Future Farmers
The inaugural Square Roots Next-Gen Farmer Training Program at our Michigan Farm Campus starts September 2019. Applications will be open June 24 through July 12.
Shaping a New Food System
The food system is changing rapidly all around us. People are increasingly demanding healthy, locally-sourced food. At the same time, technology is enabling entirely new systems to grow delicious food in the middle of cities, all year long. And young, diverse change-makers are now finding their place in an ever-evolving agriculture industry. There’s never been a more exciting time to forge a new career in farming. The opportunities to contribute to the real food revolution are endless. The big question is: how do you get started?
Welcome to the Square Roots’ Next-Gen Farmer Training Program
Square Roots is an urban farming company with a mission to bring local, real food to people in cities around the world by empowering next-gen leaders in urban farming. The Next-Gen Farmer Training Program is at the heart of what we do — providing an accessible pathway to the forefront of urban agriculture for more young farmers. Our farmers grow a variety of fresh and flavorful greens and herbs in indoor, vertical farms, right in the heart of cities. Our produce is non-GMO, pesticide-free, and grown with love.
In March, we announced a partnership with Gordon Food Service to bring our farms and training program to their distribution centers across the continent. Consumers want fresh, local food, and together, we are uniquely positioned to meet this changing demand head on.
This September, Square Roots launches the first season of our Next-Gen Farmer Training Program at our Michigan farm campus in Grand Rapids, located on the Gordon Food Service headquarters. We’re looking for ten passionate and dedicated future farmers to join our team. No farming experience is necessary — just the dedication and excitement to jump in and start learning.
During the year-long program, similar to traditional farmer apprenticeships, farmers learn skills through curriculum focused on plant science, controlled environment agriculture, business, and leadership, as well as hands-on learning-by-doing. As full-time employees of Square Roots, Next-Gen Farmers are central to our seed-to-sales business operations. After initial training in our modular, hydroponic growing systems, farmers are responsible for growing quality food on a consistent basis to meet customer demand — with the guidance of our expert Farm Management Team. Farmers are also integral to customer-focused marketing and community events, as we work with Gordon Food Service to bring tasty food to their local customers all year round.
Our Next-Gen Farmer Training Program provides unique insight into the many roles for new leaders in urban farming and serves as a launchpad to kickstart careers. Over the past three years, alumnae/i have gone on to start their own urban farms, join forward-thinking companies in urban agriculture, and move into permanent positions on the Square Roots team.
