Heather N. Kolich, ANR Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County
Forsyth County Extension is offering the Journeyman Farmer Certificate Program in early 2026 with two new sessions: Cut Flower Production and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA).
Agriculture is Georgia’s top industry, and most Georgia farms are family run businesses. While the number of farms has decreased statewide, the number of new and beginning farmers is encouragingly high. The 2-course Journeyman Farmer Certificate Program is designed to help new farmers overcome the challenges of building a farming business from the ground up.
Small Farm Business Planning – Journeyman Farmer Certificate Program Course 1
The first course, Small Farm Business Planning, covers basic business skills specific to agricultural enterprises. Team taught by UGA Small Business Development Center professionals and UGA Extension agents, this course explains business planning and accounting; financial resources, feasibility, and record-keeping; legal structures and compliance for businesses, and much more. Class sessions include opportunities to practice skills and problem solve, as well as many resources for practical use. Participants who successfully complete the course receive a certificate of completion.
Small Farm Business Planning is a 4-session course delivered over two Saturdays, January 31 and February 7, 2026, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Forsyth County Extension Office. The $40 course fee includes a course manual, program materials, and lunch for both days.
Vegetable and Small Fruit Production – Journeyman Farmer Certificate Program Course 2
The second course, Vegetable and Small Fruit Production training, covers crop production from pre-planting soil health management to marketing your product. It is designed to help new and beginning farmers achieve long-term profitability and sustainability. Participants who successfully complete the course receive a certificate of completion.
Forsyth County Extension is offering two new specialty crop sessions in 2026: cut flower production and controlled environment agriculture. Cut flowers is a multi-billion-dollar growth industry that is suitable for a small farm focus or a diversification option for larger growers. As land becomes more expensive and less available, indoor controlled environment and vertical farming in warehouses, greenhouses, or old storefronts offers opportunities to grow fresh produce in urban settings.
UGA Extension agents and specialists will teach the 8-session course. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to tour local farms on one Saturday during the course. Classes will be held at the Forsyth County Extension Office on Monday evenings, 7-9:30 p.m., from February 9 through March 30, 2026. The $75 course fee includes a course manual, program materials, and light snacks.
Participants can register for either or both courses. Those who register for both courses at the same time receive a $15 discount. Each course awards a certificate upon completion, and completion of the Journeyman Farmer Certificate Program can be used to fulfill a portion of the education requirement for some USDA Farm Service Agency farm loan programs.
Multiple events during the past – floods, hurricanes, pandemics, and economic disruptions – have illustrated the importance of locally-grown food hubs for sustaining communities. Networks of small and innovative farms are the backbone of local food production in urban and suburban environments.
Whether you’re already farming or still in the thinking stage, the Journeyman Farmer Certificate Program offers valuable education and resources. Past graduates have expressed both higher levels of knowledge and greater confidence in their ability to develop and run a successful farming business. Others have decided that farming isn’t the right option for them. Both outcomes are successes for those individuals.
Learn more about the topics covered in each Journeyman Farmer course and register on our website.