Farming In Relationship to Earth (FIRE) Immersion
The 2024 application cycle has closed.
We anticipate launching the next application cycle in February 2025.
PURPOSE
The Soul FIRE Immersion (Farming In Relationship to Earth) is designed for aspiring, beginning, and intermediate growers of Black, Indigenous, and Latine heritage to gain basic skills in regenerative farming in a culturally relevant, supportive, and joyful environment. By the end of the program you will have the knowledge to grow and prepare your own food, and the tools to begin a comprehensive commercial farm training if you choose that path. It is our hope that you will also deepen your connection to land, heal from inherited trauma rooted in oppression on land, and take steps toward your personal food sovereignty.
DESCRIPTION
This summer, for the 10th year, a team of committed farmers and passionate chefs will come together with participants from all over the region and country who are seeking to amplify the land-based skills needed to reclaim leadership as growers and food justice organizers in their communities. There will be 3 farming immersions that will each accommodate 21 participants.
FIRE Immersion Skills
Participants will leave having practiced many of the following skills:
- make and use compost
- prepare raised beds
- plant from seed
- transplant
- work with perennial fruits
- select and plant cover crops
- properly use hand tools
- test the soil and use amendments
- wild-craft
- care for laying hens
- raise honeybees
- select and utilize medicinal herbs
- harvest and preserve
- cook using whole foods
- plan a garden/small farm
All of this takes place in an affirming environment that centers Afro-Indigenous farming practices and histories, and uplifts the collective wisdom of the group. Each day will include 4 hours of hands-on work/learning, 2 hours of classes on sustainable living skills, and 1 hour of personal reflection, plus evening cultural/educational activities.
The program brings together training in topics such as soil chemistry and farm planning with a deep analysis of how racism has divorced people of color from the land. From working the earth in hot sun and dreary rain to engaging in vulnerable personal reflection, the immersion is meant to grow us, as much as it is to help us grow food and grow our movements for land sovereignty and community self determination.
2024 FIRE Immersion
Read the detailed description before applying for more information about cost, the flow of the day, learning goals, and more.
PROGRAM DATES
- Session 1: July 21 – 26
- Session 2: August 4 – 9
- Session 3: August 25 – 30
TIMELINE
- Application Launch: Friday, February 23
- Application Deadline: Friday, March 15 – 5pm EST
- Notification: Monday, May 20 by 11pm EST
- Acceptance & Deposit Due: Friday, May 24
We are completely committed to making the program affordable to everyone. The REAL cost of one participant’s attendance at the Soul Fire Farming Immersion is around $1000, yet most participants pay much, much less than that. Please contribute to help offset the costs to run this unique and transformational program.