FIRE Immersion (Farming In Relationship to Earth)

Geographic Scope: Open to participants from all over the region and country

Target Audience: Beginner and intermediate growers of Black, Indigenous, and Latine heritage

Program Duration: Two 5-day sessions in summer 2026

• FIRE 1: June 7–12, 2026
• FIRE 2: July 12–17, 2026

Purpose

Designed to help beginner and intermediate growers of Black, Indigenous, and Latine heritage gain basic skills in regenerative farming in a culturally relevant, supportive, and joyful environment. Participants will develop knowledge to grow and prepare their own food, tools to begin comprehensive commercial farm training if desired, deepen connection to land, heal from inherited trauma rooted in oppression on land, and take steps toward personal food sovereignty.

Program Description

For the 12th year, a team of committed farmers, builders, and passionate chefs work together with participants seeking to amplify land-based skills needed to reclaim leadership as growers and food justice organizers in their communities. The environment centers Afro-Indigenous farming practices and histories, and uplifts collective wisdom. Each day includes several hours of hands-on work/learning, classes on sustainable living skills, and evening cultural/educational activities.

Skills Participants Will Practice

• Make and use compost
• Prepare raised beds
• Plant from seed and transplant
• Work with perennial fruits
• Select and plant cover crops
• Properly use hand tools
• Test 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

Training Topics

Program combines training in soil chemistry and farm planning with deep analysis of how racism has divorced people of color from the land.

Cost

The real cost of one participant's attendance is approximately $1,200, but sliding scale payments are offered. Some participants pay much less. Contributions welcome to help offset program costs.

Contact

Soul Fire Farm

• Phone: 1-518-880-2034
• Email: love@soulfirefarm.org
• Address: 1972 NY HWY 2, Petersburg, NY 12138
• Website: soulfirefarm.org

Application Process

Timeline for 2027 Cycle:

• 2/23/2027 – Application launches at noon EST
• 3/9/2027 – Application deadline at 12:00 PM EST
• 5/1/2027 – Notification by 11:00 PM EST

Application Requirements

1. Complete application form (available when application launches)
2. Target audience: Black, Indigenous, and Latine heritage individuals
3. Beginner or intermediate farming experience level

Eligibility

• Open to Black, Indigenous, and Latine growers
• Beginner or intermediate experience level
• All ages welcome

Note: Detailed program description available on website before applying; review before submission.