Urban Agriculture Academy
UAA Summer 2020 students in an applied learning class.
Cultivating An Urban Farming Community
Urban Agriculture Academy is an agricultural applied learning program designed to engage both students in grades 9-12 and adult learners to gain practical skills and expertise in urban farming and sustainable agriculture. This 5-week program allows students to work directly with professional farmers, ranchers, and orchardists to learn about agriculture in a variety of fields. This is a unique opportunity for participants to gain a first-hand look at the many career paths open to them in the agricultural sciences. Students participating in Urban Agriculture Academy will gain experience through a hybrid classroom incorporating hands-on labs, gardening, field trips, and workshops. Memphis Tilth’s Urban Agriculture Academy will cover basic topics in food production in addition to 3 core concentrations: grow local, cook together, and farm-direct.
What You Will Receive:
5 weeks online curriculum and learning opportunities
On site classes in nutrition, food preparation, soil science, orcharding, and more!
Membership to Memphis Tilth and included benefits
Memphis Tilth’s certificate in Urban and Community Farming after successful completion
The Urban Agriculture Academy Aims To:
Develop effective citizenship
Establish vocational proficiency
Improve quality of life through establishing local food systems
Teach and demonstrate the functions of agriculture in urban areas
Topics Covered Include:
General crop production in Tennessee
Garden to table education and nutrition
Community gardening and involvement
Biodynamic, natural, and organic growing
Agricultural licenses, audits and verification
Growing produce and appropriate amendments
Resources, materials and ongoing educational opportunities
Cost: $275.00 all inclusive
We are not offering this cohort at this time- stay tuned for more information
Technical Assistance is provided in Ag Academy 2.0 to improve farms and gardens.
Ag Academy 2.0 : Helping BIPOC Farmers Reach New Markets
A FREE expansion of the Urban Agriculture Academy is an applied learning program designed to engage established farmers, both rural and urban, to gain knowledge and a network of support. These farmers should already be familiar with farming practices and sustainable agriculture; and therefore surpass the introductory courses. Although information from those courses will be made available to them. This new 5-week program focuses on access to resources and knowledge that will scale-up production in order to meet the demands of local markets. Farmers who participate will have the opportunity to become a Producer for our Bring It Food Hub, just one example of available markets.
What You Will Receive:
5 weeks online and applied learning curriculum and networking opportunities
Classes in Marketing, Technology, and more!
Membership to Memphis Tilth and included benefits (Such as Free Registration to Pick Tn Conference)
Certification of Course Completion
The Ag Academy 2.0 - Aims To:
Develop a community network of farmers
Establish food producers as businesses (from cottage to commercialization)
Navigating resources to increase capacity
Identifying markets for product engagement and distribution
Improving business practices to streamline operations
Ensure sufficient knowledge of food safety practices
Topics Covered Include:
Marketing - For example: Brand Identity, Social Media and Web Presence
Technology - For example: Applied Ag Tech
Public Health - For Example: Compliance and Record Keeping
Government Contracting - For Example: Applying for Grants and Contracts
Certification - For Example: USDA GAP and Certified Naturally Grown
Resources, materials and ongoing educational opportunities
Registration Deadline: 1/7/2022
All Classes are Closed
Scholarships
We value our community and believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn and grow. Several need-based scholarships are available for individuals interested in attending the Urban Agriculture Academy (UAA) to enable greater success for deserving candidates who want to further their education. For general information, please email us at [email protected].
No scholarships are available at this time
Other Ways To Get Involved
We understand learning new skills is an investment in time. Even if you cannot commit to the UAA there are many other ways to get involved with Memphis Tilth and your community!