2017 Lansing Roots Program Application Date:

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1 2017 Lansing Roots Program Application Date: Name (First and Last) Address (Include Apt #, etc) City, State, Zip Code Phone Number Address Alternate Phone Number / / Birth Date (mm/dd/yyyy) What will Lansing Roots provide? Field and hoophouse plots One-on-one planning, mentoring, and technical assistance Spring field preparation and other tractor work as appropriate Access to ALL farm infrastructure, including barn and equipment, vegetable wash/pack station and walk-in cooler, water spigot at each plot, perimeter fence, and more Access to hand tools, specialized tools and mechanical tools Plants, seeds, compost, cover crops, and other specialized farm products Workshops and training on farming, marketing, and business planning Marketing Collective to sell crops; including Multi-Grower CSA with over 65 weekly shares What will participating farmers do? Respect the farm, farmers, staff, and all other visitors Pay all program fees o $50 Non-Refundable Deposit upon acceptance to Program o $150 Fee for standard field and hoop plots. (Payment plans and work exchange available) Obey all farm guidelines, maintain an orderly plot, and follow farm work timelines Grow crops for sale in local markets through Roots and independent sales Commit to developing a farm business plan Participate in workshops, weekly staff check-ins, and farmer meetings Plan and produce in coordination with staff and other farmers Grow in accordance with organic standards and practices 1 P a g e

2 Background Information How many people live in your household (including you)? The yearly gross income for my household is: My racial/ethnic group(s) is/are: (Add together yearly incomes for all persons over age 18) $0-23,000 $38,251-40,900 African, African American $23,101-26,400 $40,901-43,500 Asian $26,401-29,700 $43,501-47,450 Hispanic $29,701-32,950 $47,451-52,700 Native American $32,950-35,600 $52,701-56,950 Caucasian/White $35,601-38,250 $56,951 or more Other Which languages are spoken in your home? What is your primary language? Country of Origin? What level is your English proficiency? Basic Intermediate Advanced Fluent If English is difficult for you to understand, will you have access to reliable interpretation and translation services? For example, a case worker, family member, or fellow farmer. Yes No Do you have a valid driver s license? Yes No Do you have reliable transportation to the farm? Yes No Are you currently employed? Yes No If yes, how many hours per week and what is your work schedule (days/times at work)? What other commitments, besides work, require time each week (Family, school, etc.)? Please list major commitments; include days and approximate time spent on them per week. How did you hear about Lansing Roots? 2 P a g e

3 Program Requirements and Agriculture Knowledge *Program REQUIRES a minimum of 2 weekly visits and 15 hour per week commitment, April October, with less needed November March * How many individuals will participate in the program, what is their relationship to you, and what will be the responsibilities of each individual? How many hours per week do you estimate spending with the program? When are you generally available to work on your farm, meet with staff, or attend trainings/workshops as part of your participation in Lansing Roots? (Check ALL times that you are generally available) Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Morning (8 am-12 pm) Early Afternoon (12-3 pm) Late Afternoon (3-6 pm) Evening (6-9 pm) Are you currently operating a farm-related business? Yes No Have you operated or managed a farm-related business in the past? Yes No If yes, please tell us more (where, what you sold, etc). Have you been employed on a farm or in a farm-related business OR attended a farmer training or apprenticeship program before? Yes No If yes, please tell us more (dates, certificates, specialized knowledge, etc). 3 P a g e

4 Agricultural Skills and Experience Greenhouse Work/Growing Transplants Equipment Use/Maintenance Planting Work Harvest Work Food Safety Knowledge/Certification Food Handling/Packaging Farm Recordkeeping Crop Planning Weeding and Field Maintenance Construction/Skilled Trades Product Sales/Marketing Biology or Agriculture Education Tell us more about the types of crops, time farming, and other items checked above. Include any other relevant experience not listed. Have you ever gardened or farmed in Mid-Michigan? Please tell us how long, where, how much land you had, what crops you grew, and what you learned doing this. First year farmers generally start on a ¼ acre plot (approx. 100 x105 ) or less. Please describe your farm plans, including how much space you would like. If you have a business plan, you can attach that instead. If you do not yet have a business plan, tell us what you would like to grow, how you would like to market your goods, and your plans for expansion or growth over the next 5 years. Be as detailed as possible. Feel free to attach more pages or documents. The more we know, the better we can help. Please contact us if you are unsure what information we are looking for. Remember, you are responsible for the full use of any space on your plot, including maintaining a cover crop on unused land and weeding. (Continue on next page and attach extra sheets, if necessary) 4 P a g e

5 What challenges do you anticipate in taking part in the Lansing Roots Incubator Farm program? Transportation Following organic standards Managing time commitments Knowledge of production farming Creating a crop plan Sales/Marketing Creating a business plan Language barriers or communication Budgeting, record keeping, accounting Finances/Startup money Other? Emergency Contact Information and References Emergency Contact Information: Name: Phone: Relationship to you: Address: Please list two volunteer or work-related references we may contact: Name: Title: Organization/Business Name and Location: Phone: Address: What was your position or main responsibility? Name: Title: Organization/Business Name and Location: Phone: Address: What was your position or main responsibility? 5 P a g e

6 Please Read, Initial Each Box, and Sign Below If I am chosen to participate in the Lansing Roots Farm Program, I understand and agree to: Respect the Farm: Farmers, Staff, Volunteers, Visitors, Other Site Users, Equipment, and Earth Follow all Lansing Roots farm policies (See Farmer Guidelines) Time Commitment: Minimum 2 farm visits/week. 15 hour/week minimum for farm work and program development; including pre-scheduled time with Lansing Roots Staff. Use shared tools, equipment, and spaces safely, appropriately, and as intended Maintain open communication with Lansing Roots Staff and other Roots Farmers Manage time appropriately for the farm and associated responsibilities Follow Food Safety Guidelines, MAEAP & Organic Standards, and Responsible Water Use Actively farm and market my products as a business; Develop a business plan Participate in Lansing Roots Marketing Collective Keep accurate farm records and share them with Lansing Roots staff Attend required farm walks, meetings, workshops, and trainings on time Maintain an orderly farm plot throughout the season; including active scouting and management of pests, diseases, and weeds effectively and in a timely manner Clear my farm plot thoroughly and on time in the fall Complete 5 Hours of Marketing Collective Labor and 5 Hours of General Farm Labor Signature Date Lansing Roots Farmer (Please Print Name) Signature Date Lansing Roots Program Manager Benjamin Sommers Deposit Paid; Code of Conduct, Liability Waiver, and Photo Release Signed 6 P a g e