PROGRAMS

FarmPath

The Future of Agriculture Depends on Farmers Who Succeed 

FarmPath helps aspiring and beginning farmers build resilient, profitable farm businesses.

Applications for the inaugural cohort are now closed. Join our mailing list for program updates and future opportunities.

Our Supporters

Program Sponsors

Program Overview

People Want to Farm. They Need a Pathway to Succeed.

America needs the next generation of farmers.

Yet starting a farm has never been more challenging. Access to land, capital, equipment, markets, business planning, and trusted mentors creates barriers that passion alone can’t overcome.

FarmPath was created to help close that gap.

Through three years of business education, mentorship, peer networking, and implementation support, participants gain practical knowledge they can immediately apply to build stronger, more resilient farm businesses.

Because agriculture doesn’t just need more farmers—it needs more farmers who succeed.

  • Build a Strong Farm Business

    Develop practical skills in financial management, business planning, marketing, and long-term decision making.

  • Learn From Experienced Farmers

    Connect with mentors, agricultural professionals, and fellow participants who understand the realities of building a successful operation.

  • Put Ideas Into Practice

    Apply what you learn through personalized planning, implementation support, and real-world business decisions.

Why It Matters

The Future of Agriculture Depends on New Farmers

Nearly half of America’s farmers are expected to reach retirement age over the next decade. At the same time, thousands of aspiring farmers are eager to step into agriculture but face significant barriers to success.

The demand is clear.

When FarmPath opened applications for its inaugural cohort, more than 650 aspiring and beginning farmers from 48 states applied—demonstrating both the desire to farm and the need for practical business education, mentorship, and long-term support.

FarmPath helps bridge that gap by equipping participants with the knowledge, relationships, and resources needed to build successful farm businesses.

When beginning farmers succeed, agriculture becomes stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the future.

  • Investing in People Is Investing in Agriculture

    FarmPath isn't simply helping individuals start farms. It's helping build the next generation of agricultural businesses that will feed communities, strengthen rural economies, and steward the land.

  • Mission Connection

    FarmPath reflects Farm Foundation's belief that meaningful progress happens when people have access to knowledge, relationships, and opportunities. By investing in aspiring farmers today, we're strengthening the future of agriculture for generations to come.

Program Impact

Building Stronger Farm Businesses

FarmPath was designed to provide more than education. It's helping participants build stronger businesses, stronger networks, and greater confidence for long-term success.

  • 650+ Applications received
  • 550 Participants accepted
  • 48 States Represented
  • $1.5 Million Invested

Program Experience

What Participants Can Expect

FarmPath combines practical learning with real-world application over three years. Rather than one-time training, participants receive ongoing support as they build their businesses, expand their networks, and apply new skills to their operations.

Participant Journey

  1. 1
    Year One

    Learning & Exploration

    Develop business fundamentals, connect with peers and industry experts, and begin building a comprehensive business plan.

  2. 2
    Year Two

    Building Your Business

    Implement business strategies, deepen mentorship relationships, and continue strengthening your operation.

  3. 3
    Year Three

    Implementation

    Refine long-term business strategies, expand professional networks, and prepare for sustainable growth beyond the program.

Business Skills You’ll Build

  • Farm business planning

  • Financial management

  • Marketing and market development

  • Risk management

  • Access to capital

  • Business sustainability

  • Peer learning and networking

Participants Leave With

  • A stronger business plan
  • Increased confidence as business owners
  • Expanded professional networks
  • Practical tools to strengthen long-term success

Testimonials

Voices from the Community

Hear from those who've been shaped by the Farmpath experience.

“Building a farm from the ground up takes experimentation, patience, and persistence. I’m learning how to balance big ideas with limited time and resources—and finding that the path forward may take longer than planned, but seeing the systems I’ve built begin to work makes it worth it.”

Anonymous

As I work toward returning home and restarting our family farm, I’m very thankful to be part of FarmPath and to connect with others on their own farming journeys. I look forward to staying connected for many years to come.

Anonymous

Related Events

Upcoming Program Events

View All Events

New program events are being scheduled — check back soon.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why Did Farm Foundation create FarmPath?

    FarmPath was created to help aspiring and beginning farmers overcome the business challenges of starting and growing a successful farm operation.

  • Who is FarmPath designed for?

    Aspiring and beginning farmers from diverse backgrounds who are committed to building resilient agricultural businesses.

  • What makes FarmPath different from other beginning farmer programs?

    FarmPath combines practical business education, mentorship, peer learning, and implementation support over three years—creating a long-term pathway rather than a single educational experience.

  • When will applications for the next cohort open up?

    Applications for the inaugural cohort are now closed. Join our mailing list to receive updates about future opportunities.

  • How can I get involved?

    Become a mentor: Share your expertise and help guide aspiring farmers as they build resilient agricultural businesses. 

    Invest in the future of agriculture: Your support helps expand access to practical education, trusted networks, and implementation opportunities for the next generation of farmers. 

    Stay connected: Applications are currently closed. Join our mailing list to receive updates about future cohorts, participant stories, and opportunities to get involved.

CONTACT

Get In Touch

Have questions about FarmPath? Reach out.

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