Dear Reader:
In the previous blog, you read about how Russon Family Farms bought a four-bedroom house, sitting on two and a half acres of prime farmland, where CCPP can implement its Permaculture Incubator Program.
The acquisition of the property means that CCPP is on target to launch the incubator program in 2024, as was originally planned. We will start recruiting trainees in the fall of 2023. Who, you might ask, will be eligible?
There are three criteria that applicants must meet to be considered for participation in the incubator program.
- First, successful applicants must demonstrate that they meet the conditions for being considered to be historically underserved, namely: beginning farmers, limited resource farmers, and socially disadvantaged farmers (e.g., women and people of colour).
- Second, successful applicants must hold a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC). This requirement will ensure that applicants understand permaculture ethics, principles, design processes, and implementation techniques. If you don’t have a PDC now, there is time to get one.
- Third, successful applicants must agree to follow program rules, including to participate in research and evaluation protocols.
CCPP will recruit primarily through the Permaculture Institute of North America (PINA) and its regional hub, the Great Rivers and Lakes Permaculture Institute (GRLPI). PINA and GRLPI are dedicated to promoting permaculture education, research, and mutual aid throughout Midwest.
CCPP will also recruit from graduates of the on-line permaculture course offered by Andrew Millison and his team at Oregon State University. The selection committee will consist of CCPP management and technical assistance providers.
Interested? Please watch for the call for applications in the fall of 2023. You just might be one of the lucky four trainees.