Small farms and local food in Ada County

Small farms and local foods

Our small farms and local foods 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. Contact Ariel Agenbroad to request upcoming class schedules and more information on any programs.

Victory garden course

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 have released our popular course content as a self-guided, self-paced, 10 section online course. The course features:

• Activities
• Video lectures
• Handouts
• Readings and more

Enroll at any time for access to the course. Questions may be directed to Ariel Agenbroad at ariel@uidaho.edu.

Harvest heroes

This beginning farming and gardening program for veterans is the first program of its kind in Idaho. The Harvest Heroes program is 10 months long and features evening and weekend sessions and hands-on, practical field experience.

Email harvestheroes@uidaho.edu to request an application and for more information.

School and community gardening

UI Extension offers a variety of services related to school and community gardens. Contact us to learn more about teacher in-service training, Idaho Master Gardener School Garden Mentor certification, youth garden curriculum, community garden workshops and policies and procedures related to small scall urban agriculture.

Farm to school

The UI Extension Farm to School program works across the state with local, regional and national partners to connect Idaho youth of all ages in schools and childcare facilities to locally produced food, hands-on health and nutrition education and activities that foster agricultural literacy. Visit the Idaho Farm to School website to learn more.

Farmers' market vendor education

UI Extension collaborates 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. Contact Ariel Agenbroad at ariel@uidaho.edu to learn more about upcoming trainings.

Beginning farmer program

The UI Extension Beginning Farmer Program works across the state to develop and deliver webinars, workshops, conferences, classes and publications to assist sustainable small farm businesses in Idaho. Contact Ariel Agenbroad at ariel@uidaho.edu to learn more about upcoming classes.

Related resources

• Cultivating Success Small Farm Education
• Food Technology Center
• Idaho Farmers’ Market Association
• Organic certification in Idaho
• Boise Urban Garden School
• Treasure Valley Food Coalition

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

• 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