2025/2026 SMALL FARM APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM I ENROLLMENT
The EAT! Small Farm Apprenticeship Program is designed to provide a full-immersion experience, encouraging students to explore cultural diversity, philosophical perspectives and farming as a means to personal, family, community and financial wellness. Although place-based within the City of Norco, our curriculum is derived from generations of practical farming wisdom & emerging practices impacting the present and future of agriculture.
This unique training opportunity takes 10 months to complete, and includes the mastery of 9 Core Agricultural Knowledge Areas and a commitment to 500 hours in the field and classroom. The program culminates wit h the creation of an individualized Small-Farm Business & Marketing Plan. Apprenticeship students must complete all five of the following components to achieve Apprenticeship Status:
- Demonstrated Competency in the theory and practice of the 9 Core Agriculture Knowledge Areas
- Completion of at least 500 hours of in-class/field experience/project work demonstrating conceptual understanding & hands-on implementation
- Regular attendance & participation during their time in the program
- Completion of an apprenticeship project demonstrating competency in one or more core areas
- Completion of a Small-Farm Business & Marketing Plan
ENROLL NOW!
Ready to Begin or Continue Your Farming Journey?
OUR TEAM
The EAT! Cultural Center & Farm Team is Patrick, Chris, Areli and Kacey. Our team works closely with Program Participants, The Cities of Norco & Riverside, and Community Based Organizations throughout the Inland Empire...and Beyond.
SMALL FARM APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
- The EAT! Small Farm Apprenticeship Program is designed to provide a full-immersion experience, encouraging students to explore cultural diversity, philosophical perspectives, and farming as a means to personal, family, community and financial wellness.
- Although place-based within the City of Norco, our curriculum is derived from generations of practical farming wisdom and emerging practices impacting the present & future of agriculture.
agri-culture!
NORCO RURAL FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET THURSDAY NIGHTS FROM 5PM-8PM
The EAT! Center hosts a Rural Farmers & Artisans Market each Thursday night throughout the year. Originally launched as a culminating event for the Business Planning + Branding pieces of our Small Farm Apprenticeship Program, our weekly market has become a Cultural Growth Experience focused on Building Community, Empowering Small Businesses, and
Strengthening the Local Economy.
The family agriculture revival movement aka FARm!
The FARM! Movement is our way of engaging the entire Farm Family in the Culture of Agriculture. We offer seminars and workshops to everyone from the community. Many of those workshops focus on off-ground topics such as canning, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, branding and more. Seasonal events & celebrations support the region’s small farm culture.
FIVE KEYS & eat! ARE GRATEFUL COLLABORATORS WITH
FIVE KEYS SCHOOLS & PROGRAMS
Through the use of social and restorative justice principles, Five Keys provides traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECOVERY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY.