National Young Farmers Coalition Board of Directors Application 2026: Leadership Opportunity for Farmers and Advocates in the United States
The National Young Farmers Coalition (Young Farmers) Board of Directors Application invites interested individuals to apply for a volunteer leadership position with an organization dedicated to supporting young farmers, strengthening agricultural communities, and addressing the structural and economic barriers that prevent young people from establishing and growing successful farming businesses.
The National Young Farmers Coalition represents, mobilizes, and engages young farmers to help ensure their success. Since its founding in 2010, the organization has developed a grassroots network of more than 200,000 individuals and partner organizations. Through advocacy, community engagement, leadership development, and policy work, Young Farmers seeks to give young farmers the tools they need to become leaders in their communities and build an effective political voice at local, state, and national levels.
The Board of Directors opportunity is intended for individuals interested in contributing to the organization’s governance, strategic direction, advocacy priorities, and long-term impact. Board members volunteer their time, participate in quarterly virtual board meetings, serve on committees, attend an annual in-person board retreat, and contribute to the organization’s wider activities throughout the year.
Young Farmers is particularly interested in maintaining a board with a majority of farmer members, preserving majority representation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), improving representation across regions of the United States, and filling specific expertise gaps. The application specifically identifies a need for individuals with finance and investment expertise and government or legal expertise.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews are scheduled until the available board seats are filled. The supplied application information does not specify a fixed calendar deadline. Interested candidates should therefore review the application form and contact the organization if they need clarification about current vacancies or the recruitment timeline.
Overview of the National Young Farmers Coalition Board of Directors Opportunity
The following table summarizes the key details provided in the application information.
| Opportunity detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | National Young Farmers Coalition (Young Farmers) |
| Position | Volunteer Board of Directors member |
| Opportunity location | United States; the organization seeks improved representation across US regions |
| Appointment type | Volunteer board service |
| Term length | Two years |
| Board size | 7 to 15 members |
| Board composition | Majority farmer membership |
| Representation priority | Preserve majority BIPOC board membership |
| Meetings | Quarterly virtual board meetings |
| Committee service | Required |
| Annual retreat | Two-day, in-person retreat in January or February |
| Time commitment | At least 2–4 hours per month; up to 10 hours per month during major strategic periods |
| Other commitments | Board education, networking or fundraising participation, and communication between meetings |
| Recruitment process | Applications reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until seats are filled |
| Application method | Online Board of Directors application form |
| Enquiries | salima@youngfarmers.org |
| Fixed application deadline | Not specified in the supplied application information |
About the National Young Farmers Coalition
The National Young Farmers Coalition is an organization focused on representing and mobilizing young farmers and helping them succeed. Its work addresses the practical, economic, political, and structural challenges that can prevent aspiring and established young farmers from building sustainable agricultural businesses.
Since 2010, the organization has developed a grassroots network of more than 200,000 individuals and partner organizations. This network supports its efforts to strengthen farmer leadership, build community participation, and advocate for policies that address barriers to farming.
Young Farmers works to ensure that farmers have the tools to participate in decisions that affect their livelihoods and communities. Its approach connects grassroots organizing with policy advocacy and leadership development, helping farmers contribute to conversations at local, state, and national levels.
Key issues addressed by Young Farmers
The application identifies several structural and economic barriers that the organization works to address.
Access to affordable farmland: Access to land is a significant consideration for people who want to enter farming or expand an existing farm business. Young Farmers includes farmland access among the major issues affecting the success of young farmers.
Student debt: Education-related debt can affect the financial capacity of individuals seeking to establish farming businesses. The organization identifies student debt as one of the economic barriers it addresses through its broader advocacy work.
Climate change: Changing environmental conditions create challenges for agricultural production and the long-term sustainability of farming. Young Farmers includes climate change among its advocacy priorities.
Healthcare: Access to healthcare is another issue identified by the organization as affecting farmers and their ability to sustain their livelihoods.
Racial inequities: Young Farmers works on racial inequities and highlights the importance of representation, including its commitment to maintaining a board with a majority of BIPOC members.
These issues demonstrate that the organization’s work extends beyond agricultural production. It also focuses on the social, economic, environmental, and policy conditions that influence whether young people can enter farming and build successful businesses.
Advocacy achievements highlighted by the organization
The application describes several examples of the organization’s past advocacy work.
- Investments in beginning farmer training: Young Farmers reports winning historic investments in training for beginning farmers.
- Outreach to farmers of color: The organization highlights investments in outreach aimed at farmers of color.
- Farmland conservation: Its advocacy has contributed to investments in farmland conservation.
- USDA Farm Service Agency microloan programme: Young Farmers reports that its advocacy for a microloan programme resulted in a programme being available in every county and that it has served more than 30,000 farmers.
These examples illustrate the organization’s focus on addressing practical barriers through policy change, institutional engagement, and support for farmers.
Purpose of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors provides a leadership and governance structure for the organization. Board members are expected to contribute their knowledge, judgment, time, and professional or community experience to help Young Farmers advance its mission.
The organization maintains a board of seven to fifteen volunteer members, with a majority of members being farmers. This majority-farmer structure is intended to ensure that farmers remain central to the organization’s leadership and decision-making.
The organization also seeks to preserve majority BIPOC representation and address gaps in geographic representation across the United States. In addition, it is looking for expertise that can strengthen its work in particular areas, especially finance and investment, as well as government and legal matters.
Priority areas for board recruitment
The application highlights the following priorities.
1. Maintaining a majority of farmer board members
Young Farmers aims to ensure that farmers make up the majority of the board. This reflects the organization’s focus on representing, mobilizing, and engaging young farmers.
2. Preserving majority BIPOC representation
The organization is working to maintain a board in which Black, Indigenous, and People of Color make up the majority. This is an explicit board-composition priority in the application.
3. Improving representation across US regions
Young Farmers is working to fill regional representation gaps. Applicants from different parts of the United States may therefore be relevant to the organization’s effort to strengthen geographic representation, although the announcement does not specify particular states or regions with current vacancies.
4. Adding finance and investment expertise
The organization identifies finance and investment as an area where additional expertise is particularly needed. Candidates with relevant professional, organizational, or practical knowledge may wish to explain how their experience could contribute to board discussions and governance.
5. Adding government and legal expertise
Government and legal expertise are also identified as priority areas. Applicants with relevant experience may be able to contribute to governance, policy, regulatory, or institutional discussions within the scope of board responsibilities.
The announcement does not state that every applicant must have one of these specialist backgrounds. They are identified as areas of particular need, alongside the organization’s wider priorities for farmer membership, BIPOC representation, and regional coverage.
Board Membership Responsibilities
Joining the National Young Farmers Coalition Board of Directors involves an ongoing commitment rather than occasional participation in meetings. Board members are expected to attend meetings, serve on committees, participate in organizational activities, and maintain communication throughout the year.
The application identifies the following responsibilities.
1. Serve a two-year term
Successful applicants are expected to serve a two-year board term.
Candidates should consider whether they can make a sustained commitment to the organization over this period. Board service requires continuity, participation, and engagement with the organization’s work beyond individual meetings.
The supplied application information does not specify whether extensions or renewals are available after the initial term.
2. Attend quarterly virtual board meetings
Board members must attend quarterly virtual board meetings. These meetings provide a formal setting for board members to discuss organizational matters, participate in governance, and contribute to decisions and priorities.
Candidates should be prepared to set aside time for scheduled meetings and participate consistently.
3. Serve on a committee
Board members are required to serve on a committee. Committee participation provides an opportunity to contribute to specific areas of organizational work between full board meetings.
The application does not provide a complete list of committees or indicate how committee assignments are made. Applicants who need details about available committees may contact the organization.
4. Attend the annual in-person board retreat
Board members must attend an annual, in-person board retreat lasting two days. The retreat takes place in January or February.
The application states that the cost of the retreat is covered as needed. It does not provide a detailed breakdown of which expenses are covered or the process for arranging support, so candidates should confirm the practical arrangements with the organization if selected.
The retreat forms part of the board’s annual engagement and should be considered when assessing availability for the term.
5. Participate in board education events
Board members are expected to participate in educational activities, which may include racial equity training.
These activities support board learning and help members engage with issues relevant to the organization’s mission, leadership, and commitments.
The application does not provide a complete calendar of training activities or specify the number of sessions that will be held each year.
6. Maintain Young Farmers membership
Board members are required to maintain membership in Young Farmers. The application notes that membership is open to farmers and advocates.
Applicants should review the organization’s membership information to understand how membership is obtained and maintained. The supplied form does not state the membership fee or whether any special membership arrangements apply to board members.
7. Encourage participation in a networking or fundraising event
Board members are expected to encourage participation in at least one networking or fundraising event.
This responsibility connects board service with the organization’s wider community engagement and resource-development activities. Board members may be asked to support participation, strengthen relationships, or encourage engagement with events that advance the organization’s work.
The application does not state that each board member must personally raise a particular amount of money.
8. Uphold the Young Farmers Theory of Change
Board members are expected to uphold the organization’s Theory of Change.
The application links to the organization’s mission and vision page, where applicants can learn more about its approach and priorities:
https://youngfarmers.org/about/mission-and-vision/
Candidates should review this material before applying so that they understand the organization’s purpose and can assess whether they are prepared to support its direction.
9. Maintain communication and contribute between meetings
Board work continues outside scheduled meetings. Members are expected to communicate regularly by email, participate in committee work, and contribute to additional tasks throughout the year.
This means applicants should assess not only whether they can attend quarterly meetings but also whether they can remain responsive and engaged between them.
Expected Time Commitment
The application states that board members should be able to contribute at least two to four hours per month, with the time commitment increasing to as much as ten hours per month during major strategic periods.
The expected commitment includes:
- Attending board meetings.
- Participating in committee meetings and work.
- Communicating by email.
- Contributing to additional tasks between meetings.
- Participating in board education activities.
- Supporting relevant networking or fundraising events.
- Attending the annual two-day in-person board retreat.
The stated monthly commitment is a guide to the expected time required. Applicants should recognize that major strategic moments may require additional involvement.
Because the position is voluntary, candidates should consider how board service will fit alongside employment, farming responsibilities, family commitments, education, or other activities.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The application is intended for individuals interested in joining the organization’s board and contributing to its governance and mission. Young Farmers’ work centres on young farmers and their success, while its membership is open to farmers and advocates.
The organization is especially interested in board composition that maintains a majority of farmers, preserves majority BIPOC representation, strengthens representation across US regions, and adds expertise in finance and investment or government and legal matters.
People considering applying should assess whether they can fulfil the board’s responsibilities and whether their experience, perspectives, and skills could contribute to the organization.
The supplied application does not state a formal age limit, minimum educational qualification, required number of years of professional experience, or a complete list of mandatory professional credentials. Applicants should not assume that a particular degree or years-of-experience threshold applies unless this is specified in the linked board job description or confirmed by Young Farmers.
How to Apply for the National Young Farmers Coalition Board of Directors
Interested candidates should complete the official online Board of Directors application form.
The application itself is available through the organization’s Jotform page.
The supplied application content does not include a direct public URL for the form’s main application page. Candidates should use the official form page from which the application was accessed or contact Young Farmers for the correct application link if needed.
Information requested in the application
The form asks applicants to provide personal, contact, and background information. Fields marked with an asterisk are mandatory.
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Full name: First name, middle name, and last name.
- Pronouns: For example, she/her, he/him, they/them, or other pronouns the applicant uses.
- Current address: Street address, additional address line if applicable, city, state or province, and postal or ZIP code.
- Email address: A valid email address for communication.
- Phone number: A contact telephone number.
- LinkedIn profile or personal website: Links that help the organization learn more about the applicant.
- How the applicant heard about the opportunity: Options include LinkedIn, an event, social media, the company website, family or a friend, email, a job board, or a staff or board member nomination or recommendation.
- Name of the referring staff or board member: Required when the applicant heard about the opportunity through a staff member or board member.
- Race or ethnicity: The form explicitly asks applicants to provide this information.
The form also includes navigation and save options. Applicants should complete all required fields and follow the form’s instructions before submitting.
Preparing a strong application
The supplied form excerpt does not include a written personal statement, CV requirement, reference requirement, or a prescribed application essay. Candidates should check the complete form and the linked board job description for any additional instructions.
Before applying, candidates may wish to prepare the following information:
- A clear explanation of their involvement with farming, agricultural communities, or advocacy, where relevant.
- Examples of leadership, governance, community engagement, or organizational participation.
- Relevant experience in finance, investment, government, legal work, or another area that could support the board.
- Information about their regional background and perspective, where relevant to geographic representation.
- An understanding of Young Farmers’ mission, Theory of Change, and priorities.
- Confirmation that they can meet the two-year term and expected monthly time commitment.
These are preparation suggestions based on the responsibilities and priorities described in the announcement; they should not be interpreted as additional formal eligibility requirements.
Application Deadline and Selection Process
The National Young Farmers Coalition states that applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the available board seats are filled.
This means that the organization does not present a single fixed calendar deadline in the supplied application text. Instead, recruitment continues as applications are reviewed and vacancies are filled.
Applicants who are interested in serving on the board should review the current application information and submit their applications promptly, particularly if the organization is actively filling available seats.
The supplied information does not specify the number of current vacancies, the dates of interviews, the expected date of appointment, or a detailed selection timetable.
The organization states that interested individuals may contact Salima at salima@youngfarmers.org with questions about the application or opportunity.
Click HERE for more information about National Young Farmers Coalition Board of Directors Application 2026.
Important Information About Race, Ethnicity and Board Representation
The application explicitly states that Young Farmers seeks to preserve majority BIPOC membership on its Board of Directors. BIPOC refers to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
The form also asks applicants to provide their race or ethnicity. This is part of the information requested in the application.
The organization’s stated aim to preserve majority BIPOC representation is a board-composition priority. The supplied form does not state that only BIPOC candidates may apply, nor does it provide a complete list of race- or ethnicity-based eligibility restrictions.
The organization also seeks a majority-farmer board and stronger representation across the regions of the United States. Applicants should read the linked board job description and bylaws for further details about board composition and governance.
Review the Board Job Description and Bylaws
Candidates are encouraged to review the governing documents linked in the application before submitting an application.
Board of Directors job description:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bM0KOHqbRU8Zmkz2PVeN_wvoeoPAdpYj/view?usp=sharing
Young Farmers bylaws:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zxY9H5MAhHK_jQXHR-ewxq23ifPY2Eeb/view?usp=sharing
These resources can provide additional context on the board’s responsibilities, governance arrangements, and expectations for members.
Reviewing the documents can help candidates make an informed decision about whether they can fulfil the commitment and whether their interests align with the organization’s mission.
Conclusion
The National Young Farmers Coalition Board of Directors opportunity offers individuals the chance to contribute to an organization working to strengthen young farmers, improve access to agricultural opportunities, and address the economic, environmental, and structural challenges affecting farming communities.
Board members serve a two-year volunteer term and are expected to participate in quarterly virtual meetings, committee work, an annual in-person retreat, educational activities, networking or fundraising engagement, and regular communication throughout the year. The expected commitment is at least two to four hours per month, rising to as much as ten hours during major strategic periods.
Young Farmers is particularly interested in maintaining a majority-farmer board, preserving majority BIPOC representation, improving representation across US regions, and strengthening expertise in finance and investment as well as government and legal matters.
There is no fixed calendar deadline stated in the supplied application information. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the available board seats are filled. Interested candidates should review the application form, bylaws, and board job description, and contact the organization if they require clarification.
Discover more global Volunteering Opportunities on Opportunities For Youth.
Share this:
Discover more from Opportunities for Youth
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
