STEPPING STONE PROGRAMME
The Stepping Stone Programme offers BHU graduates the opportunity to gain the confidence they need to start their own businesses in a low-risk environment. Graduates can apply to use BHU farm land, machinery and facilities to grow confidence in a small commercial-sized garden. The produce is then saleable under the BHU organic land certification.
This is a non-assessed programme which gives students the following benefits:
- The use of land, machinery and facilities on the farm
- Enough certified land to run a semi-commercial operation
- Students can grow and market their own certified organic produce under the BHU’s organic certification
Past students have said, “Stepping Stone is a rare and special opportunity to have a working farm with everything you need. It has given us confidence to grow for two seasons and find our way as organic market gardeners.”
Course
Information
The Stepping Stone Programme gives students the chance to try organic growing in a low risk environment under the supervision of BHU staff. Students not only gain practical experience, but also the confidence required for them to go on and set up their own operation.
This is a non – assessed programme, there are no formal classes or qualifications.
The Stepping Stone Programme runs for a maximum of two years, with the second year subject to a performance review at the end of the first year.
Stepping Stone students need organic qualifications, like our Certificates in Organics, or prior experience in organic horticulture production to be eligible for the programme.