Certified Organic Farm Technician (COFT) Program
The Certified Organic Farm Technician (COFT) program was developed as an elective specialization within the U.S. Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resource (AFNR) pathway.
About the Program
Organic Agriculture Education for Emerging Growers
Designed for high school and post-secondary students, the program provided a foundation in organic agriculture through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on, real-world learning experiences. The curriculum emphasized a learner-centered, participatory approach to building knowledge, skills, and career readiness in organic farming.
Program Overview
The COFT program prepared students to enter the agricultural workforce by developing:
- Practical knowledge of organic production and certification standards
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Professional behaviors such as time management and responsibility
- Real-world experience through applied learning and case-based instruction
Coursework went beyond traditional lectures, integrating experiential learning, collaboration, and applied science concepts. Students engaged with real challenges in organic agriculture, working alongside educators, farmers, and peers to deepen their understanding of sustainable food systems.
Training Model & Approach
The curriculum was designed to bridge the gap between technical education and the workplace by:
- Combining classroom learning with hands-on field experience
- Encouraging reflection and application of knowledge
- Supporting the development of both technical and interpersonal skills
Introducing tools and strategies to address common organic farming challenges
The program drew from leading educational resources, including Teaching Organic Farming and Gardening (UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology) and FoodSpan (Johns Hopkins University), to provide a strong foundation in organic systems and food production.
What’s Next
We’re building on this work to expand access to organic training and education.
COFT online courses coming soon—stay tuned for updates