In-Person
Sustainable Agriculture Practicum
Register by Jun 1
Schedule Details
June 2-August 4, 2026
Tuesdays from 5-9pm
Weekly schedule:
- Hands-on fieldwork: 5–7 pm
- Classroom instruction, guest lecturers and occasional local farm visits with farmers: 7–9 pm
- Optional additional field sessions based on group availability
Who should take this course
- Anyone curious about where food comes from and eager to learn hands-on, regenerative practices.
- Future farmers exploring whether farm work or starting a farm is right for them.
- New growers who want a friendly, supportive introduction to sustainable agriculture.
- Backyard and community gardeners ready to level up their skills or scale up production.
- Participants must be at least 17 years old.
Grow food with confidence
Whether you’re dreaming of starting a small farm, expanding your food production, or simply learning how to grow your own food sustainably, this hands-on course will give you the skills, practice, and support to make it happen. No prior experience required.
What You’ll Learn (Hands-On + Practical)
You’ll build real skills on a working USDA-certified organic farm in Beverly, MA. Each week blends hands-on fieldwork with guided instruction so you can learn by doing.
You’ll gain experience in:
- Soil health and nutrient management
- Seeding and transplanting
- Using small-scale equipment like a walk-behind tractor
- Crop care, irrigation, and plant development
- Pest and disease management using ecological methods
- Composting and fertility planning
- Harvest and post-harvest handling
- Greenhouse management
- Diversifying production and integrating new technologies
By the end of the practicum, you’ll feel confident about:
• Growing vegetables from seed to harvest
• Understanding how to manage healthy soil
• Managing pests and diseases without harmful chemicals
• Using small-scale farm tools safely and effectively
• Planning and caring for crops throughout the season
• Deciding whether you want to pursue farming further
Watch our video for an inside look into the course!
Instructors
Scholarships
- Half-off scholarships are available to Veterans who apply by June 1st.
- Partial scholarships are also available based on financial need and other considerations for anyone who is not a Veteran.
- Travel Scholarships may be available for anyone.
If interested, please contact: Tara Duffy at tara.duffy@tufts.edu
Everyone is encouraged to apply!
What participants are saying
I loved being out in the field and then being able to listen, learn and ask questions about what we learned out in the field. I absolutely loved learning from New Entry farmers in the field.
The variety of guest speakers and farm tours which provided an intimate look at different perspectives, crop plans, farm systems, and scales of farming.