Are you poised to take the next step toward your dream of operating a sustainable farm in Southwest Colorado? Since 2013, the Old Fort Market Garden Incubator Program has paved the way for aspiring farmers like you.
With our comprehensive approach, we provide educational classes, vital resources like land and water access, and essential infrastructure—including irrigation systems, harvest sheds, coolers, and root cellars. Plus, you'll receive invaluable marketing assistance to get your produce to the people who most need it.
Incubator farmers work together in the "incubator field," running independent businesses and sharing infrastructure and knowledge. Start with a plot size ranging from 1/16 to 1/8 acre in your first year and grow your business from there.
Our mission is clear: to offer an innovative entry point for beginning farmers in the Four Corners region, equipping you with the support services and skills necessary for a flourishing agricultural career.
Over the years, we've seen more than a dozen graduates from our program successfully branch out with their businesses or continue to make impactful strides in food and farming.
This program is tailored for individuals with a solid farming foundation, particularly in climates similar to high-elevation desert farming. You're an ideal candidate if you're self-motivated, work well independently or with a partner, and are driven to establish a farm business that will thrive in the Four Corners region and possibly even further afield.
If you're new to farming but eager to learn, our FIT program is worth exploring.
*($) indicates an additional fee
These fees allow the program to continue to support farmers in the future. Payment plans may be available upon advance request. Otherwise, incubators are expected to follow the fee due dates below to remain in good standing with the program.
$100 is due upon acceptance to the program.
$300 per business per year for up to ½ acre; $600 per business per year for ½ acre or more. These funds allow us to provide spring tillage, soil amendments, bed shaping, maintain irrigation system and harvest shed, purchase specialized tools for communal use, service weed eaters, provide field bathrooms, complete fall tillage, and plant cover crop.
All farmers are required to have $1M in general liability to participate in the program. The Old Fort Market Garden Cooperative was formed to provide all farmers access to affordable insurance. The membership fee is $25/year and gives you access to general and product liability insurance (required) at a reduced rate. Plan for increases over these rates from 2021:
Timely payment of fees is tied to good standing in the program. Speak with the program coordinator immediately if you anticipate not being able to make a payment. Access fees for the cooler and root cellar are additional and are not pro‐rated. Fees are non‐refundable.
Growing areas are not certified organic, but incubators will use organic practices, and all amendments must be approved by program staff. Housing is not available on site. Greenhouse space is unavailable, although incubators may construct low tunnels on plots. Perennial plantings are not permitted in individual plots.
We welcome 1-4 new incubator farms each growing season. Applications are due in December or January, so don't wait to take this transformative step in your farming journey.
Read the site guidelines before applying
Apply to the Incubator Program
For more information, email Elicia Whittlesey.