Farm & Food Systems Fellowship

The Farm & Food Systems Fellowship, based in Smyrna, TN, is dedicated to empowering individuals who are passionate about building a food system that is socially, environmentally, and economically equitable. Through this fellowship, participants receive comprehensive organic food system education and hands-on training at Allegheny Farm in Highland County, VA, completely free of charge to ensure accessibility for all aspiring leaders in food justice. Over a transformative six-month residential program, Fellows engage in practical experiences such as growing and distributing diverse crops, facilitating innovative health care education, maintaining school and community gardens, and promoting food and ecological literacy in educational settings. Beyond their farmwork, they actively contribute to local farmers markets and direct-to-consumer initiatives while developing essential distribution channels that enhance community access to healthy foods. The Fellowship culminates in a Community Action Year, where former Fellows apply their training in collaboration with regional non-profit organizations, continuing to mentor future cohorts and strengthen community food coalition efforts. Applications are accepted until March each year, with the fellowship experience running from May to October.