What Organic Farm School does

Organic Farm School is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit learning center (EIN 91-1773097) operating on Whidbey Island, Washington, with farm locations in Maxwelton Valley and Keystone Farm & Forest Preserve. The organization trains beginning farmers through a 7-month residential apprenticeship focused on regenerative organic agriculture practices — including diverse crop rotations, cover crops, reduced tillage, livestock integration, and continuous soil biome care — and complements this core program with Summer Blocks (one-week and one-month short-term experiences), Whole Systems Kitchen educational sessions, workshops, and Farm Stays in the Feed & Seed cabin. Since 2017 it has also produced organic vegetable and flower seed for commercial contractors such as Fruition Seeds, Hudson Valley Seed, and Seed Savers Exchange, while running a farm stand, equipment rentals, picnic shelter rental, and weekly community events including Farm Fridays and Coffee Hours.

The organization's underlying "technology" is its regenerative organic curriculum, which integrates seed production, vegetable cultivation, livestock, and food preparation, and is enriched by a WSARE-funded research partnership with the Organic Seed Alliance on tomato seed yield trials. The business model is a diversified nonprofit revenue stack: tax-deductible donations (including employer charitable matches, planned giving, and Washington Give Big), program and event fees, an annual Friends of the Farm membership at $500, sponsorships from local businesses and foundations (USDA, Whidbey Community Foundation), and direct farm stand produce sales processed via Square. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven — newsletter, earned media, partner referrals, and on-farm programming — rather than performance or paid acquisition. Customer segments span aspiring beginning farmers, farm-curious individuals, and broader Whidbey Island community members, with no single customer accounting for a disproportionate share of revenue.

Operational scale is intentionally small: five full-time staff (Executive Director Judith Feldman, Farm Manager Mindy Woodward, Field Coordinator Stephen Frink, Hospitality & Admin Manager Adam Skaardal, Bookkeeper & Web Manager Patricia Ohoma) plus an eight-member board. Revenue is not publicly disclosed, and Form 990s from 2019 through 2023 are published on the organization's website. The structure is a community-supported, board-governed nonprofit with no parent company and no venture capital backing, which constrains scaling velocity but supports mission alignment around local food systems and farmer training.

Name

Organic Farm School

Legal name

Organic Farm School

Website

https://organicfarmschool.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Organic Farm School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit learning center on Whidbey Island, Washington, training beginning farmers through a 7-month residential apprenticeship in regenerative organic agriculture and serving the broader community via short courses, farm stays, a farm stand, and seed production.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Education

NAICS

Other Crop Farming (1119)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Agricultural Production-Crops (100), Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Agricultural Production & Farm Operations (EDAOAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sustainable/Regenerative Agriculture & Conservation Practices (EDAOAOAO), Organic Seed Production & Plant Breeding (Certified Organic Seed) (AFAGAKAF), Agricultural Mechanics, Equipment Operation & Maintenance (EDAOAOAI)

Keywords

• Regenerative agriculture training
• Organic farming education
• Beginning farmer apprenticeship
• Farm-based education programs
• Community food systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Freeland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit (EIN: 91-1773097), the Organic Farm School relies heavily on donations including employer charitable match programs, Washington Give Big campaigns, planned giving (charitable bequests, life insurance gifts, gifts of retirement assets, real estate, stock, charitable remainder trusts, qualified charitable contributions).
2. Educational Program Fees: Revenue from apprenticeship programs, summer blocks, farm stays, whole systems kitchen sessions, workshops, and equipment rental. Farm stand sales of produce.
3. Sponsorship and Partnership Revenue: Cash and in-kind sponsorships from local businesses and organizations supporting specific events and activities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Organic Farm School operates an on-farm learning center delivering a 7-month residential Apprenticeship Program for beginning farmers, short-term Summer Blocks, Whole Systems Kitchen educational sessions, Farm Stays, and a Farm Stand selling produce. The school also runs an organic seed production operation that has supplied commercial seed contractors since 2017 and hosts community events such as Farm Fridays, potlucks, and workshops across its Maxwelton Valley and Keystone Farm & Forest Preserve locations on Whidbey Island, Washington.

Product overview

Organic Farm School is a learning center offering a diverse portfolio of agricultural education programs for community-scale farming. The core offerings include a 7-month residential Apprenticeship Program for beginning farmers, short-term Summer Blocks for farm-curious individuals, and Whole Systems Kitchen educational sessions on food preparation. Additional programs include Farm Stays (overnight accommodations), a Farm Stand for produce sales, Seed Production operations, weekly Farm Fridays community events, Equipment Rental for poultry processing, Picnic Shelter Rental, Volunteer Programs, and educational events like 'Dishing Up the Dirt.' The school operates at two locations: Maxwelton Valley and Keystone Farm & Forest Preserve.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Apprenticeship Program Intensive 7-month residential apprenticeship for beginning farmers providing hands-on training in regenerative organic agriculture, seed production, vegetable cultivation, livestock integration, and farm business management. Includes post-graduation job placement support. Aimed at individuals wanting to start careers managing small to medium-sized sustainable farms.
• Summer Blocks Short-term one-week and one-month on-farm experiences for individuals who are 'farm curious' and want to explore farming without the full commitment of the apprenticeship. Provides exposure to regenerative organic practices and farm life.
• Whole Systems Kitchen Monthly educational program exploring what it takes to grow, prepare, and benefit from food. Sessions cover meats, eggs, vegetables, herbs, nutritional profiles, and preparation methods. Available as individual sessions ($90) or full 12-month series ($900); 20% discount for Friends of the Farm members.
• Farm Stays Overnight lodging experiences at the Feed & Seed cabin on the farm. Multi-night stays (2-night and 3-night options) priced at varying nightly rates ($425, $200, $325) with applicable taxes. Aimed at visitors wanting to immerse themselves in farm life.
• Farm Stand On-site retail location at the barn/school building selling fresh produce directly to the local community. Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., restocked Wednesday and Friday. Payment via Square only.
• Organic Seed Production Wholesale organic vegetable and flower seed production supplying commercial seed contractors. Operations began in 2017 and include concurrent student education on seed production processes and research trials (including a WSARE-funded project on tomato seed yields).
• Equipment Rental Poultry processing equipment (chicken plucker) available for weekend rental, with pickup Friday after 3 p.m. and return by Monday 10 a.m. Aimed at local community members and home poultry growers.
• Picnic Shelter Rental Rental facility on the farm for private events and gatherings, priced at $500.
• Friends of the Farm Membership Annual $500 membership providing a 20% discount on Whole Systems Kitchen sessions and other benefits. Supports the non-profit's mission while giving members ongoing access to programs.
• Seasonal Workshops (Natural Dye Series and Specialty Workshops) Seasonal workshops such as the 3-workshop natural dye series ($325 full series) and individual Summer Solstice Workshop ($125). Includes partner-led workshops such as 'Chick-Tok What the Cluck?!' ($25) on chicken/egg farming with Lunar Crest Farm.

Quantifiable outcome

• Since 2017, the school has been supplying organic vegetable and flower seeds to commercial contractors while training students in seed production methods.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature1 record

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Organic Seed AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on WSARE grant project comparing the effects of 30% shade cloth versus full sun on tomato seed yields, advancing research in organic seed production methods and enriching the school's curriculum with agricultural research experience.
• Western SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWSARE grant funding supporting seed production research trials comparing shade cloth vs full sun effects on tomato seed yields.
• Whidbey Island GrowncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosts the annual Farmers Forum and serves as a key food hub partner for the community food system. Whidbey Island Grown is referenced as a critical partner in the local food ecosystem.
• University of Washington Program on Food Systems, Nutrition, and HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCapstone team of graduating seniors conducted research and developed the Nutrition section of the OFS website, including evidence-based nutritional information and recipes for farm crops.
• Thriving CommunitiesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDocumentary partner producing content about OFS's role in regenerative agriculture and community food systems (video: 'Nourishing Soil, People, and Community').
• WSU Skagit ExtensionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWashington State University Skagit County Extension office — agricultural research and education partner.
• WSU Island County ExtensionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWashington State University Island County Extension office supporting agricultural education on Whidbey Island.
• South Whidbey TilthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal agricultural organization partner in the Whidbey Island food and farming community.
• Bread Lab WSUminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWashington State University Bread Lab focused on grain and seed research, connected through seed production and agricultural innovation network.
• AgBiz CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgricultural business development center supporting farm business planning and farmer training.
• GoosefootminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal community organization partner supporting the mission of building community food systems.
• Fruition SeedsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOrganic seed company that is a commercial contractor for OFS seed production. Listed as a partner in seed operations.
• Siskiyou SeedsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOrganic seed company commercial contractor for OFS seed production.
• Hudson Valley SeedminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOrganic seed company commercial contractor for OFS seed production.
• Adaptive SeedsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOrganic seed company commercial contractor for OFS seed production.
• Deep Harvest FarmminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOrganic seed company commercial contractor for OFS seed production.
• Botanical InterestsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOrganic seed company commercial contractor for OFS seed production.
• Seed Savers ExchangeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHeritage seed conservation organization commercial contractor for OFS seed production.
• High Mowing SeedsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOrganic seed company commercial contractor for OFS seed production.
• Lunar Crest Farm (Maria)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner farm providing the 'Chick-Tok, What the Cluck?!' educational workshop on raising chickens and eggs for the OFS community.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Polyface Farm: Polyface Farm in Virginia operates as a working regenerative farm with internship/apprenticeship opportunities, workshops, and farm-stay experiences. It is comparable as a teaching farm combining livestock-integrated regenerative production with farmer education and direct-to-consumer sales.
• Quivira Coalition: Quivira Coalition focuses on regenerative agriculture education, mentorship, and land health in the Western US through apprenticeships, workshops, and rancher/farmer training programs. Its apprenticeship and educational programming in regenerative practices overlaps with Organic Farm School's curriculum and Pacific Northwest geography.

Broad incumbents

• Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture: Stone Barns Center operates an established farm and educational programming on regenerative agriculture, with training, workshops, and farmer apprentice-style experiences on a working farm. It is comparable as a nonprofit learning farm combining production agriculture with beginning-farmer and consumer education.
• Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems (UC Santa Cruz): UC Santa Cruz's CASFS operates the well-known Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture, a 6-month residential program in organic and sustainable farming. It is the most established direct peer to Organic Farm School's 7-month apprenticeship, with overlapping curriculum, residential format, and target audience of aspiring farmers.
• Sterling College (Sustainable Agriculture): Sterling College in Vermont offers degree programs and experiential education in sustainable agriculture and food systems. It is comparable as an accredited institution providing structured regenerative agriculture education with a small-school, mission-driven character similar to Organic Farm School.

Direct peers

• Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming: Groundswell Center in Ithaca, NY offers farm apprenticeships, workshops, and community education in sustainable and organic agriculture. It mirrors Organic Farm School's combination of structured farmer training, community workshops, and farm-based consumer education programming.
• Farm School NYC: Farm School NYC offers urban agriculture training programs and workshops focused on social justice, food systems, and small-scale growing. It is comparable as a nonprofit adult-education farm training program delivering structured curricula for aspiring farmers and food-system advocates.
• The Farm School: The Farm School in Massachusetts runs yearlong and multi-season farmer training programs combining classroom and field work on a working farm. Its residential, multi-season beginning-farmer apprenticeship model is the closest structural analogue to Organic Farm School's 7-month apprenticeship.
• Rogue Farm Corps: Rogue Farm Corps runs a hands-on farm training program in Oregon with multiple levels of apprenticeship-style engagement on host farms. It directly competes with Organic Farm School in the Pacific Northwest beginning-farmer training market using a similar on-farm experiential model.
• World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF): WWOOF is a global work-exchange network placing volunteers on organic farms for educational farmstays. It is comparable as an organic-farm-based experiential education and farmstay platform, though WWOOF is membership-driven rather than a single-site school like Organic Farm School.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/organicfarmschool

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Organic Farm School