To become a Certified Farm Seeker when you already have experience farming, complete the following steps:
- Register for Virginia Farm Link: Registration can be done for free by following this link: Register as a farm seeker. Once registered as a farm seeker, you can search and contact farm owners via the Virginia Farm Link system. Once you are a Certified Farm Seeker, this designation will appear on your profile.
- Demonstrate On-Farm Experience: If you already have experience farming, you may bypass the normal Whole Farm Planning Module and complete a shortened version. The shortened version of the Whole Farm Planning Module can be found below either as a plain .pdf to print and complete by hand or in a form you can fill out online and then save and send electronically.
- Whole Farm Planning Module for Experienced Farmers (plain .pdf file)
- Whole Farm Planning Module for Experienced Farmers (electronic fillable .pdf form) IMPORTANT NOTE: If you complete the electronic fillable form, first save the form to your computer and then fill it out. The "Submit Now" option does not work in some internet browsers, such as Google Chrome.
Once complete, send a copy to the Virginia Farm Link Administrator at farmlinkadmin@vdacs.virginia.gov who will review and determine if you are ready to start your Farm Business Plan.
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Develop Your Farm Business Plan: The Whole Farm Planning Module helped you to write out your short- and long-term farming goals. Now, use those foundational goals to complete a farm business plan. You can work with a professional to develop a farm business plan or develop one yourself. The Virginia Farm Link resources webpage provides information for completing your farm business plan. -
Farm Resume: The final step is showing your experience and skills on a professional resume. Consult the On-Farm Experience Module for methods of drafting a resume that highlights on-farm experience.