Training Programs
The Office of Environmental Programs is supporting Phoenix residents through professional development opportunities in the local food system like the Sustainable Cooperative Food Business Training Program and the Urban Agriculture Fellowship. Learn more below.
This program focuses on developing sustainable cooperative food businesses through collaboration with Thrive Consultancy Inc. and Arizona State University. Participants learn how to start or work in a sustainable cooperative food business. The program walks participants through all important business areas and conveys a broad set of business skills. The goal is to enable participants to implement a business plan or to secure a job in a cooperative food business. To learn more about the Sustainable Cooperative Food Business Training Program please visit Thrive Consultancy.
The Urban Agriculture Fellowship program is designed to train the next generation of growers within the City of Phoenix. Local Host Farms will train Fellows on various growing methods and expose them to all relevant aspects of the farm.
Meet a few of our current Urban Agriculture Fellows!
Caidan Eavenson - Host Farm: Arizona Microgreens
“My dream is to eventually open a farm-to-table restaurant and sell vegetables and fruit at farmers markets, thus I am passionate about learning from farmers and gaining knowledge about the process.”
Rafael Cabrera - Host Farm: TigerMountain Foundation
“I am the grandson of farmers so growing things and being one with the Earth is in my blood! I want to learn how to grow something from nothing and be able to provide for myself and my family. I would love to be a pioneer for my community and show by example that anyone can learn how to take care of the land.”
Ismael Garcia - Host Farm: Crooked Sky Farm
"I joined the fellowship because I want to help my community recognize the importance of locally grown produce and the value of preserving clean heirloom seeds. I’m delighted to be mentoring with Frank at Crooked Sky’s Farm and Maya at Maya's Farm. I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish this year!"
Materials for Reference:
For any inquiries, please contact phxfood@phoenix.gov or call 602-534-5378.
