Small Farms and Local Food

Our Small Farm and Local Food programs are area wide, integrating education and resources for growing food-systems initiatives across Ada, Canyon, Owyhee, Payette, Gem and Elmore counties. Follow our statewide Facebook page.

Register on Marketplace for upcoming classes.

Education and Outreach Emphasis

Please contact area Extension educator Ariel Agenbroad to request upcoming schedules and more information on any of these program topics:

Idaho Victory Garden

University of Idaho Extension's Idaho Victory Garden Course was created in 2008 to help our communities in challenging times, by providing individuals and families with up to date, reliable home fruit and vegetable gardening, cooking and food preservation instruction and mentorship. 

In response to the disruption of "normal life" in so many communities, we are releasing our popular course content as a self-guided, self-paced, 10 section online course. The course features:

• Activities
• Video lectures
• Handouts
• Readings and more

This year there is no registration required, no fee to take the course, and you will have access to the material until December 2020. Please see link to access the course.

Questions or concerns may be directed to Ariel Agenbroad at ariel@uidaho.edu.

Harvest Heroes — Veteran Beginning Farming & Gardening Program

• First ever program of its kind in Idaho
• 10 month-long program, evening and weekend sessions
• Hands-on practical field experience

2022 Harvest Heroes Program Information Flyer (PDF)

2022 Harvest Heroes Application (PDF)

2022 Harvest Heroes Application (Word)

School and Community Gardening

• Teacher in-service training
• Idaho Master Gardener School Garden Mentor certification
• Youth garden curriculum
• Community garden facilitation workshops
• Policies and procedures related to small scale urban agriculture

Farm to School

Partnering with Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Idaho Department of Education, Idaho Ag in the Classroom and others working to supply more Idaho school meal programs with fresh, locally grown farm products.

Farmers’ Market Vendor Education

Collaborating with area agencies and nonprofits like the Idaho State Department of Idaho and the Idaho Farmers’ Market Association to provide up-to-date training and resources on market establishment, market assessment, strategic planning, best vendor practices, food safety and regulations.

Beginning Farmer Program

Working with statewide University of Idaho faculty and farmer stakeholders to develop and deliver webinars, workshops, conferences, classes and publications dedicated to assisting sustainable small farm businesses in Idaho. 

Publications

The following publications are available for purchase at the UI Extension, Ada County office (5880 N Glenwood Street, Boise, ID).

• Farming Alternatives: A Guide to Evaluating the Feasibility of New Farm-Based Enterprises from Cooperative Extension — $15
• Small-Scale Livestock Farming by Carol Ekarius — $15
• The Market Gardener by Jean-Martin Fortier — $20