Urban Grower Training Program

Main Content

The Urban Grower Training Program, a pilot program developed by Rutgers Cooperative Extension, provides practical, science-based training designed for the unique conditions of urban agriculture. Through a mix of online learning and hands-on workshops, participants will gain tools they can use right away to improve food production, manage common urban challenges, and strengthen their growing operations. The program also connects urban growers to valuable resources and professional contacts that will remain accessible even after completing the coursework.

Who Should Join?

This program is designed for urban growers who produce food at a larger scale, such as community gardens, nonprofit farms, and small commercial operations. However, anyone currently growing food in an urban setting is welcome to join. Because program assignments require activities like soil testing, observing garden pests, etc., this program is not suitable for people who do not currently grow.

What Does the Program Cover?

The pilot program includes five core courses that build a strong foundation for urban food production: Food Safety, Water Resource Management, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and Urban Soils I & II. Each course includes two asynchronous online classes you can complete on your own schedule and one in-person, hands-on field workshop in which you will practice new skills and grow your contacts. All classes and workshops are taught by subject matter experts from Rutgers and partner organizations. We anticipate adding more core and elective courses in the future as funding allows.

How Much Time Should I Plan to Commit?

Each core course will take about 8-10 total hours over 3 weeks, including:

• about 2-3 hours of online lessons that you can complete when it works for your schedule;
• about 1.5 hours of at-home activities to apply what you’ve learned to your growing site; and
• 4–6 hour interactive, in-person workshop where you’ll have the chance to learn from subject matter experts, connect with others in the program, and explore how these practices work in real-world urban settings.

Will I Get Proof that I Completed the Courses?

Yes, participants will receive a certificate of completion for each course that they successfully pass.

What Does It Cost?

Cost for each course will be announced when registration opens and will be low to ensure it is not a barrier to participation. Financial assistance may be available if cost presents a hardship.

Sign up to receive email notification when workshop registration opens.

Have questions? Contact Carenny Reyes at urbangrower@njaes.rutgers.edu.