Farm Foundations Training

  1. 1 wild hare ff tractor crop
  2. 2 seeds ff
  3. 3 goss tractor ff
  4. 4 6 members and one teacher celebrating a section of garden rows that have been prepped
  5. 5 Wheelbarrows full of corn
  6. 6 Farmer cutting flowers and giving them to members and their child
  7. 7 Group Planting
  8. 8 weeding

Designed to provide a full-season internship experience without the full-time commitment, this free training combines classroom learning with hands on skill building. Farm Foundations offers participants an introduction to ecosystem theory and agro-ecology, soil and plant science, farm planning and management, and more! Each week participants will apply their knowledge through physical farm work and observation.

This program focuses on vegetable farming. Participants may have the opportunity to connect with livestock farmers through classes and farm tours, though it is not part of the curriculum. 

Applications for the 2026 cohort are closed.

FAQs

What is the time commitment and schedule?

Farm Foundations is a five hour per week program that starts in late February and runs through October. The program starts with two-hour evening classes and three-hour field days. In the summer we spend all five hours in the field and then shift back to a split schedule for fall classes in September. Field and class days will be determined based on the applicant pool’s availability. Typically there is one weekday and a Saturday option to choose from for field work. The final schedule will be sent out after acceptance.

How much does the program cost?

Farm Foundations is a free program. There is no charge to participate. We also provide you with field notebooks and a pair of gloves. Cohort members are required to transport themselves to and from the farms, and to dress for the weather.

Where does the program take place?

Farm Foundations is held at multiple farms. Field days will be at The Farm at Franklin Pierce Schools in the Summit Waller area, Goss Incubator Farm in Puyallup, and Madrona Pocket Farm in Tacoma.

What are the physical requirements for participation?

Farm work is hard work! We will regularly be kneeling, bending up and down, and carrying or pulling heavy bins of vegetables. If you have physical limitations, let us know that in your application. We can typically assign work around people’s capabilities and it isn’t a disqualifying factor for the program. With that said, there are some things we cannot change, such as the layout and accessibility of the farm itself. There is uneven terrain and no paved walking paths on the farm, so if mobility is a big concern please reach out to talk about whether the program would be a good fit. 

Is there an age limit?

There is no upper age limit for Farm Foundations. The program is geared towards adults, though high school students are also welcome to apply. To date the youngest cohort member was 19 and the oldest member was 72.

Can I bring my kids with me?

You can. We don’t have specific activities for kids to do while we are working in the field so you will be responsible for keeping them engaged with the work to whatever level you would like them to participate. You will also be responsible for making sure that they are listening to and following the safety instructions the farms. We have had many participants successfully bring their kids with them on a weekly basis from age 2 to 7. It is ultimately up to you to figure out what will work best for your situation.

Can I bring food home with me?

Yes! Typically starting in May the farms occasionally have food for cohort members to take home. Additionally we encourage participants to take more when available to share with friends and family.

What if I know I can’t commit to the full season?

Let us know what your scheduling challenges might be when you apply. We prioritize acceptance for people able to commit to the entire program, however we do look at extenuating circumstances and are willing to work with you.