View the Farm Force documentary trailer

Across Vermont, significant public investment is directed toward improving water quality, climate resilience, soil health, biodiversity, and agricultural viability. Yet a major barrier remains: there are not enough trained conservation professionals to help farmers access funding, develop conservation plans, and implement practices on the ground. Conservation districts, USDA-NRCS offices, and partner organizations throughout the Northeast face growing technical assistance and workforce shortages at the same time demand for conservation services continues to increase.

Farm Force was created to address this challenge. Developed through a partnership between White River NRCD and agricultural leaders in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the program connects workforce development with direct service to farmers and communities. Participants receive hands-on training in conservation planning, agroforestry, soil health, grazing systems, watershed restoration, and USDA conservation programs while supporting real projects on working lands.

Farm Force is a comprehensive effort to mobilize people to build more resilient, agrarian-based economies and communities through work brigades and workforce development. We are part of a movement to develop food sovereignty and resilience on the ground to help famine-proof our communities from climate-driven drought and supply chain breakdown. We have volunteer opportunities throughout the district, assisting with projects on local farms, such as planting trees, collecting hickory nuts, or helping with the removal of invasive plants. 

Learn more about Farm Force by viewing these slides

Sign up here to get involved with Farm Force and other volunteer and training opportunities.