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Thank you for your interest in the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition's Beginning Farmer Certification Program. The program supports beginning farmers and ranchers in Virginia, Maryland Eastern Shore, and North Carolina in managing successful farm businesses. We invite you to apply if you meet the criteria outlined in the application overview.
First Name
Last Name
Email Address
Phone Number
Mailing Address
Emergency Contact (Name and Phone Number)
Where is your farm business located (City, County, State)?
Please briefly describe your farm business including crops, products, and size of your operation. If applicable, please share links to your farm website and/or social media pages. 
How many years of experience do you have operating your own farm business?
How many years of experience do you have with farming in general?
Please describe your farming experience, including types of farming you have been involved in, any training, mentorship, or education, and specific areas of focus (such as crops, livestock, sustainable practices, etc.).
Please briefly describe how you are actively pursuing farming as a profession and your commitment to growing and developing your farm business (ex. Steps you have taken to expand, diversify, or improve your operations, as well as any long-term goals you have set for your farm's growth).
Please share why you are interested in participating in the Beginning Farmer Certification Program.
Please share the times you would be available to attend virtual programs (ex. webinars, monthly cohort meetings). meetings). Check all that apply.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
9:00-10:00 am
10:00-11:00 am
11:00-12:00 am
12:00-1:00 pm
1:00-2:00 pm
2:00-3:00 pm
3:00-4:00 pm
4:00-5:00 pm
5:00-6:00 pm
6:00-7:00 pm
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
7:00-8:00 pm
I am available to attend the in-person kickoff meeting on October 15, 2025, from 10:00-5:00 pm in 
Norfolk, Virginia
I am available to attend the in-person kickoff meeting on October 15, 2025, from 10:00-5:00 pm in  Norfolk, Virginia
Please submit a letter of support from a technical assistance provider (ex. Small Farm Outreach Program Assistant, Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent), or mentor who is familiar with your farming experience, outlining why you would be a good fit for the program.
I understand the expectations of participation and, if selected, I agree to actively participate in the program by attending the meetings and completing the assignments required.
I understand the expectations of participation and, if selected, I agree to actively participate in the program by attending the meetings and completing the assignments required.
Would you like to be considered for a need based scholarship?
Would you like to be considered for a need based scholarship?
What is your gender?
What is your gender?
What age range do you fall into?
What age range do you fall into?
Are you active military or a US veteran?
Are you active military or a US veteran?
Please check the category that best describes you. Check all that apply.
Funding is sponsored by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) of the USDA National Institute of Food and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Award #2023-49400-40885.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility.
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