The Farm & Food Systems Fellowship in De Smet, SD, is dedicated to cultivating leaders who advocate for a just food system that is socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable. This transformative program, offered by the Allegheny Mountain Institute, empowers selected Fellows through comprehensive training and hands-on experiences at AMI’s Allegheny Farm. The Fellowship is tuition-free, ensuring accessibility for all aspiring advocates. Throughout the six-month intensive training, participants engage in organic food system education, learn to grow and distribute a diverse array of crops, and implement community initiatives such as school gardens and farmers markets. After their residency, Fellows enter a Community Action Year, during which they apply their skills in partnership with local non-profits, enhancing food access and promoting ecological literacy. Applications are accepted until March each year, with experiences typically running from May to October.