The Venture Farming Institute logo

About Venture Farming Institute (VFI)

We’re excited to share a partner program, that launched last year: The Venture Farming Institute. This initiative supports aspiring BIPOC farmers in CT and RI, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to thrive in our local agricultural landscape. The program offers:

  • Online trainings and farm field days
  • Hands-on agricultural skills development
  • Support in accessing grants, NRCS resources, equipment shares, etc.
  • Advocacy training rooted in social justice
  • Opportunities to expand your farming network

Applications open in October and are open until October 31 for a limited number of spots, so if you would like to click on the button below:

Apply Here

To find out and more and for any questions regarding the program email Elizabeth Guerra at elizabeth.guerra@uconn.edu

  • Man and woman looking at a garden
  • a group of people on the other side of a fence next to a field
  • a woman leaning down on some landscape fabric planting
  • a hand planting a seedling into soil and landscape fabric
  • a man watering plants in between 2 high tunnels

Advisors for the Venture Farming Institute program

Sherlene Rodriguez, CT NOFA
Shawn Joseph, Park City Harvest
Joshua Capiga
Robert Chang, Echo Farms
Dishaun Harris, Root-Life
Elizabeth Debs
Tarshire Battle

Made possible by the partnership and leadership of these organizations


1 freedom 4 all logo
African Alliance of Rhode Island logo
Keney Park Sustainability Project
UConn Extension logo