Investing in Farmers, Growing the Future: Why We Believe in the FARMpreneurs Program
At Moon Valley Farm, we believe that growing food is only part of the job. As farmers, we are also business owners, leaders, stewards of the land, and community builders. But let’s be honest — we don’t always get the time, space, or support to grow into those roles with intention.
That’s why the FARMpreneurs Strategic Sprint program meant so much to me.
I had the privilege of participating in this program back in 2020, and it was one of the most impactful weeks of my entire farming journey. FARMpreneurs is not just a training — it’s a transformational experience that gives farmers the tools, confidence, and clarity to dream bigger and lead more boldly.
🌟 A Week Off the Farm — to Work On the Farm
For one week, I stepped away from the day-to-day chaos of farm life and was given the rare opportunity to focus fully on my vision. Surrounded by a small group of experienced farmers and guided by deeply thoughtful facilitators, I created what the program calls a "Big Hairy Audacious Goal" — a bold vision for what Moon Valley Farm could become.
I also walked away with:
A strategic action plan
A peer network that still supports me today
New tools to lead my team, communicate my mission, and grow the business
The clarity to move from surviving to scaling with purpose
Since completing the program, Moon Valley Farm has grown more than 7x in scale. We've expanded to 70 acres, built a year-round CSA, and now feed thousands of families across the region in schools and Food as Medicine programs that began as a dream back then. This kind of transformation doesn’t happen overnight — but it often starts with a single brave step. For me, that step was FARMpreneurs.
🌍 Why This Program Matters Now
As the agriculture landscape shifts due to climate change, economic pressures, and generational transition, programs like FARMpreneurs are more critical than ever. They invest directly in farmers — not with lectures or top-down instruction, but with support, respect, real business education, and community.
The 2026 program is expanding to six host sites across the country and aims to serve over 100 farmers, including a monolingual Spanish-language cohort in California (in partnership with Pie Ranch, pending funding). Participants receive executive-level business education, mentorship, and a fully-funded week off the farm to reflect, build, and connect.
This program is free to farmers, thanks to generous support and sponsorships — and worth every minute.
👩🌾 A Call to Fellow Farmers
If you’re a farmer with at least five years of experience, committed to regenerative practices, and hungry for space to grow — this is your invitation.
Apply. Nominate someone. Share the word.
This isn’t just about improving your business — it’s about shaping the future of food.
👉 Learn more and apply for the 2026 Strategic Sprints.
🌱 And if you’re not a farmer but care deeply about food, equity, and the future of agriculture — please consider donating to fund a farmer’s journey. A $5,000 sponsorship directly covers room, board, and faculty leadership, ensuring that cost is never a barrier for farmers to access this transformational experience.
Let’s build the next chapter of regional food leadership — together.
With gratitude and growth,
Emma Jagoz
Founder, Moon Valley Farm
2020 FARMpreneurs Alum