College of Marin Launches Nations’ First Organic Farming Apprenticeship Program

Skip to Content | A to Z Index | Kentfield Campus | Indian Valley Campus

Academic Calendar Academic Programs Apply and Register Ask a Counselor Catalog Credit/Noncredit Class Schedule Distance Education Financial Aid International Students MyCOM/Student Portal Returning Students Student Life Student Services

Academic Calendar Admissions and Records Ask a Counselor Buy Textbooks Online Catalog COM Library Course Information Credit/Noncredit Class Schedule Distance Education Financial Aid Learning Resources/Labs MyCOM/Student Portal Student Life Student Services

Academic Calendar Basic Skills Initiative Curriculum Committee Distance Education Faculty Handbook Faculty & Staff Directory Human Resources Office of Student Learning Planning & Research SLOs & Program Reviews Professional Development Staff Handbook

Advancement Athletics & P.E. Board of Trustees Community Education Communications/Relations Facilities Modernization Fiscal Services Human Resources Maps & Directions Office of the President Participatory Governance Police Department Policies & Procedures

A to Z Index Academic Programs College Web Site Course Information Employee Directory Indian Valley Campus Kentfield Campus

Academic Programs Apply and Register Athletics & P.E. Catalog Credit/Noncredit Class Schedule Distance Education Facilities Modernization International Students Learning Resources/Labs Library People at COM Police Department Student Services

News Contact:
Cathy Summa-Wolfe, Director
Communications & Community Relations
415-485-9528

College of Marin Launches Nations’ First Organic Farming Apprenticeship Program

Unique partnership offers new opportunities for future farmers

Kentfield, CA—March 24, 2011—California’s Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) has partnered with College of Marin and Fresh Run Farm to offer students the first-of-its-kind apprenticeship program for organic farming. Participating students will learn progressive, responsible farming practices including landscape ecology, composting and fertility management. In addition, students will learn the business side of farming with coursework in marketing and certifications.

farm apprenticeship signing

The Organic Farming and Gardening Apprenticeship Program is the latest of 611 active apprenticeship programs recognized in California by DAS, a division of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). DIR’s Director, John C. Duncan, gave official approval of the program today during a signing ceremony at College of Marin’s Indian Valley Organic Farm and Garden.

“The Organic Farming and Gardening Apprenticeship Program will be a model program in sustainable food production,” said DIR Director Duncan. “We realize there are particular challenges organic farmers face, and the organic apprenticeship program will benefit this niche industry and support the continued growth of organic farming by providing valuable training to future farmers about sustainable, local food systems.”

The apprenticeship program includes 1,800 hours of hands-on paid training at Fresh Run Farm in Bolinas and 11 courses of related instruction provided by College of Marin. Students will be able to complete the program in two years or less.

According the College of Marin Superintendent/President, Dr. David Wain Coon, “The College of Marin’s Indian Valley Organic Farm and Garden is emblematic of the values of Marin County—what we call the 3 E’s of sustainability—the environment, the economy and social equity. The farm promotes care to the environment by teaching the healthiest and most sustainable farming practices; we are supporting a strong economy by teaching how to grow the local food system, and finally we see education and training to support our students and community members to earn family supporting wages the most effective strategy of achieving social equity. This partnership that advances these values is truly something to celebrate!”

college president at farm apprenticeship signing

The organic farming industry is the fastest growing sector in agriculture. Marin County alone boasts of 23 registered organic producers that farm 810 acres of land. Nearly all row crops grown in Marin today are certified organic.

“Many of us make the claim that our most important crops are new organic farmers and this program is a really great way to stand behind that claim”, said Fresh Run Farm Owner and Operator Peter Martinelli. “There are so many younger people today looking for these opportunities and it is important that we provide them with a clear, legitimate path to entering the industry.”

The Division of Apprenticeship Standards creates opportunities for Californians to gain employable lifetime skills and provides employers with a skilled workforce by administering California apprenticeship law and enforcing apprenticeship standards for wages, hours and working conditions. DAS promotes apprenticeship training through creation of partnerships and monitors programs to ensure high standards for on-the-job training and supplemental classroom instruction.

The College of Marin’s Indian Valley Organic Farm & Garden is a 5.8-acre demonstration farm and garden that serves as a valuable hands-on learning laboratory and workforce development center.

Fresh Run Farm is 22.5 acres of certified organic crop land located on Paradise Valley Ranch on the Bolinas Peninsula. Fresh Run is one of four organic farms which comprise the historic Pine Gulch farming district, one of the Bay Area’s first production zones once known for dairy products and apples among many farm products.

back to top

College of Marin is one of 112 public community colleges in California and is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Approximately 10,000 credit and noncredit students enroll each fall and spring semester. Classes also are offered during the summer.

Copyright © College of Marin Kentfield Campus, 835 College Avenue, Kentfield, California 94904 · Indian Valley Campus, 1800 Ignacio Blvd., Novato, California 94949 · Telephone: (415) 457-8811 · Webmaster: WeListen@marin.edu

For any member of the community seeking accommodations for the disabled, please contact (415) 485-9340. College of Marin students seeking academic adjustments should contact (415) 485-9406.