The Regenerative Farm Network (RFN-NJ) is seeking three mentors and three mentees for the RFN-NJ Mentorship Program. Mentees and mentors may apply individually and we will work to find the best fit for pairs, or they may apply together and request to be paired. Mentees may be new farmers or experienced farmers who are looking to transition to more regenerative practices.
This is a flexible program that will be tailored to the needs of the mentees and styles of the mentors.
The 2025 cohort will run for 12 months, starting around February 2024.
Mentors:
Help shape the future of New Jersey agriculture by stepping into the role of a regenerative ag mentor. Your knowledge can help foster the growth of a new or transitioning regenerative farmer. Mentors should have a minimum of 3 years experience managing a farm.
Mentor Stipend: Mentors will receive up to a $1,500 stipend for their time spent mentoring with 50% being provided at the start of the program and the other 50% at the end of the program.
Time Commitment: Over the course of the 12 month mentorship, we expect the mentor to contribute at least 20 hours of time to the mentee.
What that time looks like will vary between each pair and what the mentor and mentee agree upon. It may be a mix of phone calls, text messages, a couple site visits to the mentee or mentor’s farm, or the mentee may be able to shadow the mentor and help out on the farm a handful of times.
Not sure if you have the right skills? Our mentees may be looking for a variety of skills to learn or improve on, from cover cropping, pasture management, social media & marketing, or budgeting. Apply to our RFN-NJ Mentorship Program and share your expertise to grow the regenerative farm community in NJ!
Mentees:
Are you an experienced farmer who wants to transition to more regenerative practices? Or are you a new farmer who has started up a regenerative farm? You may be eligible to apply for the RFN-NJ Mentorship Program.
Education Stipend: The selected mentees will receive up to an $1,100 stipend to be used to further their knowledge in regenerative agriculture. The stipend may go towards time and travel attending local ag meetings, fees to attend conferences, trainings, etc. The mentee will develop a personalized learning plan outlining specific areas for investment and growth.
Mentorship: How each mentorship pair interacts will be individualized to what the mentor and mentee agree upon. It may be a mix of phone calls, text messages, a couple site visits to the mentee or mentor’s farm, or the mentee may be able to shadow the mentor and help out on the farm a handful of times.
Time from the mentor: The mentor is anticipated to spend about 20 hours assisting the mentee over the course of the 12 month mentorship. The majority of that time will likely be remote (phone, email, or text) but should include at least one site visit to the mentee or mentor’s farm.
HU Status: Mentees who fall within an NRCS Historically Underserved (HU) category will be given priority. Learn more about HU here.
Mentorship Applications:
Applications will close on February 2nd, 2025.
*This program is open to RFN-NJ members. Haven’t filled out a membership form yet? It’s easy, just fill out the RFN membership form here.*
Learn more about RFN-NJ here: https://www.northjerseyrcd.org/rfn-nj
If you have any questions, please reach out to Sam at sloscalzo@northjerseyrcd.org
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