ASCFG Mentor Program
The ASCFG Mentor Program is undergoing redevelopment. Applications for Mentors and Mentees will be accepted in late 2021.
History of the Program
The ASCFG launched the Mentor Program in 2016 to match our more experienced members with newer members just getting started with their flower farming endeavors. It’s a great way to give back to our community and create lasting, rewarding relationships with the next generation of flower farmers. Five matches were made, based on location and shared business modes. They communicated via email and phone, and visited each other’s farms, sharing experiences and building supportive relationships. As we watch the program continue to develop, some aspects of the application process may be modified.
Goals of the Program
- Fast track younger or inexperienced growers through the learning phase of beginning flower farming. This will help ensure a more successful venture and build more quality growers.
- Build more successful growers which will make for more active and long-term ASCFG members. Qualified beginning farmers must be ASCFG members to participate.
- Engage older and more experienced growers by keeping them involved in the ASCFG, and active within the cut flower movement.
Even without an official Mentor, you can make the most of ASCFG services and tools. Here’s how!
Guidelines for Mentees
Applicants must:
- Be an active ASCFG member for one calendar year before the date of application.
- Have been a commercial flower grower for at least one full season before the date of application.
- Have attended at least one ASCFG sponsored educational event.
Mentee Requirements:
- Be available to your Mentor by phone/text/email as needed; the means and frequency of communication should be mutually decided, and respectful of both parties’ schedules.
- Visit your Mentor’s farm at least once each of the two years of the program.
- Host your Mentor at your farm at least once during the two years of the program.
- Complete an annual evaluation about the program and your Mentor at the end of each growing season, as well as a final report for publication in The Cut Flower Quarterly.
Mentee Benefits:
- One complimentary ASCFG meeting registration per year for the two years of the program. (Please note: the fall Growers’ School and Conference are two separate events.)
- $250 for travel to visit Mentor, $125/year.
- Payment contingent upon active participation in the program, and completion and submission of year-end evaluations and reports.
Mentor Requirements
- Be available to your Mentee by phone/text/email as needed; the means and frequency of communication should be mutually decided, and respectful of both parties’ schedules.
- Visit your Mentee’s farm at least once each of the two years of the program.
- Host your Mentee at your farm at least once during the two years of the program.
- Complete an annual evaluation about the program and your Mentee at the end of each growing season, as well as a final report for publication in The Cut Flower Quarterly.
Mentor Benefits:
- $500 stipend, half paid after first year, remainder paid after completion of second year.
- One complimentary ASCFG meeting registration per year for the two years of the program.
- ASCFG membership for two years.
- $250 for travel to visit beginning farmer, $125/year.
Want to hear more?
Listen to Debra Prinzing interview Mentor Linda Doan and Mentee Sarah Ervin, as well as Mentor Committee Member Tanis Clifton.