Congratulations to the Recent Graduates of Our Registered Agriculture Apprenticeships!
We’re celebrating the hard work and dedication of recent graduates from CEFS’ Registered Agricultural Apprenticeships and we are also welcoming new applicants for the 2026 growing season!
CEFS apprenticeship graduates worked on farms for two seasons, helping sustainably grow food for their communities. They gained hands-on agriculture skills on farms learning with and from experienced farmers. These graduates have already become integral members of North Carolina’s farming community, contributing fresh food to their local food systems.
Two of our graduating apprentices and their farmer mentors were supported by funding from the Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program (SE TOPP). This USDA program supports transitioning and organic producers with mentorship and resources. Adam Smith mentored James Clark in the CEFS apprenticeship. Adam was in turn mentored in the SE TOPP farmer-to-farmer mentorship program as he began the process of transitioning his family’s operation, Tenacious Agrarians, to be certified organic. Juliann Moore worked two seasons as an apprentice on Clem’s Organic Garden, a certified organic operation in Western North Carolina. Both James and Juliann were trained in production techniques and record keeping required for organic certification during their apprenticeship. SE TOPP’s investments in the apprenticeship reflects the importance of farmers as mentors in professionalizing new farmers committed to organic production practices. As apprentice James explains, “This experience here definitely fits into the career of farming, because it gives you hands-on experience and that’s probably the best you can get.”
Farmer mentors are the heart of apprenticeship-based training. They don’t just teach new growers how to farm—they model how to think, adapt, and access critical resources on a working landscape. Their guidance shapes the next generation of skilled farm managers, while their own operations benefit from hosting apprentices who bring enthusiasm, commitment, and a deep interest in sustainable agriculture. James’ farmer mentor, Adam, reinforced the value of on-farm mentorship programs, noting that the program supports and invests in NC producers as critical trainers of the next generation of farmers. SE TOPP funding plays a vital role in supporting farmer mentors and expanding the production of certified organic produce across our state.
Participants are being recruited for the SE TOPP Farmer-to-Farmer mentorship program. Farmer mentors and mentees are both compensated for their participation. More information about the program can be found here.
If you’re interested in becoming a farm mentor, please visit our website to learn more and apply. Applications are now open for both farmer mentors and apprentices for the 2026 CEFS Registered Apprenticeship growing season.
Apply to be a CEFS Farm Host here. Apply to be a CEFS Apprentice here
Meet the 2025 CEFS Apprenticeship Graduates
James Clark was mentored by Adam Smith at Tenacious Agrarians Farm.
Claire Dubois was mentored by Ed Graves at Tiny Bridge Farm.
Juliann Moore was mentored by Clem Swift at Clem’s Organic Garden.
Lee Stephenson was mentored by James Hartman at Secret Garden Bees.