Farms Leadership
Inspiring youth to become leaders in agriculture and the environment
The Sonoma FARMS (Farming, Agriculture, and Resource Management for Sustainability) Leadership Program provides innovative, hands-on experiences to urban, suburban and rural youth at working farms, agri- businesses and universities. The program directly engages with Sonoma County’s local agricultural producers and stewards of the environment. Participants develop leadership skills and learn about agricultural practices that contribute to a healthier ecosystem, while connecting with agricultural, environmental, and food system career opportunities. Sponsored by the Sonoma Resource Conservation District (RCD), FARMS Leadership Program is proud to be celebrating over seventeen years of serving high school youth county wide. Students are chosen annually through a competitive application process representing the diversity of our region. A minimum of seven field days during the academic year focus on four program pillars: Sustainability, Leadership, Nutrition, and College & Career Access. Each month, the group gathers at a local farm, ranch, or community garden where they learn about cutting edge conservation practices, innovative business models, and what it takes to keep our county healthy and thriving.
In the second half of the program students are required to collaborate and develop a Community Action Project, highlighting something they learned on a field day to give back to their community. By successfully completing the program students may earn high school credit, place their skills on career and college applications, as well as gain the continued support of the greater state wide FARMS Leadership network.