Helping beginning farmers launch and grow farm businesses
Starting a farm takes more than a good idea. Beginning farmers need land, infrastructure, technical skills, business knowledge, strong networks and opportunities to gain experience with less financial risk.
The Center for Land-Based Learning’s Farm Business Incubator supports early-stage farmers as they develop and test their farm business models through access to land, training, mentorship and hands-on support.
The program has served beginning farmers throughout the Greater Sacramento region, including Yolo, Sacramento and Solano counties.
Program Update
The Farm Business Incubator is currently paused, and we are not accepting applications for the 2027 season.
We are proud of the farmers and farm businesses that have grown through the program and will share updates as future plans develop.
For questions about the Farm Business Incubator, contact info@landbasedlearning.org
Who the Program Supports
The Farm Business Incubator is designed for early-stage farmers who are ready to take the next step toward launching or growing a farm business.
Participants have included:
- Early-stage farmers developing and testing farm business models
- Graduates of California Farm Academy certificate programs and courses
- Farmer veterans
- Beginning farmers seeking access to land and agricultural infrastructure
Land Access & Infrastructure
Access to affordable farmland and infrastructure can be one of the biggest challenges for a beginning farmer.
The Farm Business Incubator has provided participants with small-scale farm plots and shared resources that allow them to begin operating their businesses in a lower-cost, lower-risk environment.
Depending on the location, resources have included:
- Farmland
- Farm equipment
- Wash and pack space
- Walk-in cooler access
- Farm and dry storage
- Propagation space
- Tractors and other production equipment
Historically, Farm Business Incubator participants have farmed at CLBL-supported locations in Woodland and West Sacramento.
Training & Farmer Development
The Incubator is about more than access to land.
Participants build technical, business and operational skills through a combination of field-based learning, training and real-world experience operating their own farm enterprises.
Areas of support have included:
- Crop production
- Farm operations
- Business planning
- Marketing and sales
- Equipment use
- Market development
- Farm management
The goal is to give farmers the experience and confidence they need to make informed decisions about the future of their businesses.
One-on-One Support
Farmers also receive individualized support as they develop their operations.
Regular check-ins and field walks give participants an opportunity to discuss production challenges, business decisions, marketing, sales and other issues that come with running a farm.
That personal support helps farmers apply what they are learning directly to their own businesses rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Learning Alongside Other Farmers
Participants are also part of a community of other early-stage farmers.
That creates opportunities to share experiences, solve problems together and build relationships within the broader agricultural community.
The Incubator has also connected participants with organizations and agricultural partners including:
UC Cooperative Extension • Kitchen Table Advisors • Woodland Irrigation • Holt of California • California FarmLink
Building Toward Independence
The long-term goal of the Farm Business Incubator is not simply to provide temporary access to land.
Participants work toward building the skills, knowledge, relationships and confidence needed to continue farming independently or move into other roles within the agricultural industry.
Through the program, farmers have opportunities to:
- Launch small-scale farm businesses with lower startup risk
- Increase their knowledge of production, marketing and sales
- Build relationships within the agricultural community
- Develop confidence managing different parts of a farm business
- Prepare for the transition to independent farming
When active, participants have generally received annual leases and may remain in the Incubator for up to four years as they develop their businesses.
Part of CLBL’s Land & Environment Work
The Farm Business Incubator is part of the Center for Land-Based Learning’s Land & Environment work, connecting land access, farmer development, agricultural innovation and environmental stewardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Farm Business Incubator accepting applications?
No. The Farm Business Incubator is currently paused, and CLBL is not accepting applications for the 2027 season.
Who has the program served?
The program has served early-stage and beginning farmers, including California Farm Academy graduates, farmer veterans and others seeking opportunities to build farm businesses and gain access to land.
Where has the program operated?
The Farm Business Incubator has served farmers throughout the Greater Sacramento region, with CLBL-supported farm sites in Woodland and West Sacramento.
What support has the program provided?
Participants have received access to farmland, shared infrastructure, equipment, training, one-on-one guidance and opportunities to learn alongside other farmers.
How can I learn more?
Questions about the Farm Business Incubator can be sent via the contact us form.
Testimonial
FROM OUR FARMERS
“The program is about way more than just access to land. Before we even started, Ric helped us clarify and refine our business plan for the location and set us up for success. The incubator program has really helped make our dream come true.”