New & Beginning Farmers
A step-by-step path to funding, training, and one-on-one support for new and beginning farmers in Virginia.
We have one goal in mind — to help you get started in a successful farm operation. The Small Farm Outreach Program’s New and Beginning Farmer & Rancher training combines education, hands-on experiential learning, technical assistance, and farmer-mentor support for socially disadvantaged and veteran beginning farmers and ranchers across Virginia.
Your Path: 3 Steps to Get Started
Orientation
Attend a Small Farm Orientation session to learn about the training, technical assistance, and financial resources available to you. This is the first step for every new participant — check the Events page for the next upcoming session.
Next session: Thursday, October 22, 2026 · 1:30 – 3:30 PM. Registration link coming soon.
Program Application
Complete the Program Entry Survey / Application so an SFOP agent can connect with you directly and start building your one-on-one support plan.
Agri Business
Attend the Agribusiness Production & Financial Management Program to build out the financial and operational plan for your farm — from growth decisions to funding options to marketing strategy.
What You’ll Gain
Free / Low-Cost Workshops
- Financial plans & growth decisions
- Identify and apply for funding
- Production, livestock & forest management
- Value-added production strategies
- State-of-the-art farm tools & equipment
- Marketing strategies to build your customer base
1-on-1 Agent Support
- Convenient, personal training & technical assistance
- Hands-on, in-the-field training
Mentor Network
- Learn from farmer-mentors who know the real challenges and rewards of running a small farm
- Connect with other participants at conferences & farm tours
Who We Serve & Get in Touch
SFOP currently serves 74 of Virginia’s 95 counties, with programming that covers the entire Commonwealth as well as North Carolina and Maryland through federally funded grants and cooperative agreements.
Email: smallfarm@vsu.edu | Phone: (804) 524-3292
Workshops receive support from a USDA NIFA grant for “Outreach, Training, and Technical Assistance Project for Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Beginning Farmers and Ranchers in Virginia,” Award Number 2017-70011-26861.
Also part of a statewide network supporting new farmers: