California Farm Academy Celebrates Apprentice Graduates

The California Farm Academy (CFA) apprenticeship program recently held a graduation in Clarksburg for their 2022 graduates. Multiple atmospheric rivers had been sweeping the state. Despite the torrential rains, friends and families celebrated as apprentice graduates were presented certificates of completion and their journey worker cards.

CFA provides beginning farmers with the knowledge, technical skills, business competency and resources to thrive and grow in a farming career. The CFA Apprenticeship Program sets apprentices up for success as agriculture leaders with a strong network of resources and community to help them along the way.

Apprentices complete 3,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 250 hours of coursework, including classes in leadership and management. The broad scope of training and experience gained throughout the two years in the program prepare graduates to take the next step in their agriculture careers as beginning farm and ranch managers. Throughout the ceremony, apprentice graduates shared common themes of challenge, community, knowledge, fundamentals, discipline, professionalism and fulfillment—all characteristics of a great farm manager.

These graduates serve as amazing examples of inspiration for future apprentices. A special thank you to all who helped celebrate their achievement!
For more information on CFA, please see the Center for Land-Based Learning CFA page here: https://landbasedlearning.org/farm-academy.php

March 2023