How to become an orchard farmer

Is becoming an orchard farmer right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do orchard farmers do?

Still unsure if becoming an orchard farmer is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become an orchard farmer or another similar career!

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How to become an Orchard Farmer

Most aspiring orchard farmers follow a learning path that encompasses some combination of the following steps:

Obtain Basic Education
While formal education isn’t always required, a high school diploma or equivalent is helpful. Courses in biology, agriculture, environmental science, and business provide a solid foundation.

Acquire Agricultural Knowledge
Learn about horticulture, soil science, pest management, and crop production. This can be done through:

  • Associate or Bachelor’s Degrees in Horticulture, Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Sciences, or related disciplines
  • Vocational training or certificate programs focused on fruit and nut production or sustainable farming
  • Workshops, extension services, or online courses

While formal degrees are not strictly required, higher education and specialized training can improve knowledge, increase efficiency, and open up opportunities for managing larger or commercial orchards.

Get Hands-on Experience
Practical experience is crucial. Work on an orchard as a laborer or apprentice. Volunteer at community orchards or farm internships. Learn from family members or mentors in the farming community.

Choose a Specialization
Decide whether to focus on a specific type of fruit or nut tree (e.g., apples, almonds, citrus) and whether to pursue organic, conventional, or specialty farming.

Secure Land and Resources
If you plan to start your own orchard, you’ll need to purchase or lease suitable land, choose appropriate tree varieties for your climate and soil, and invest in equipment (e.g., irrigation, pruning tools, tractors).

Develop Business and Management Skills
Running an orchard often involves marketing, sales, bookkeeping, and employee management. Consider taking small business courses or joining a farming cooperative or marketing network.

Stay Informed and Connected
Agriculture is constantly evolving. Ongoing learning through workshops, extension programs, seminars, and industry certifications helps orchard farmers stay current with new technologies, pest control methods, and sustainable practices.

Certifications
There are several certifications available for orchard farmers that can enhance their skills, improve farm management, and sometimes help access markets or meet regulatory requirements. These are some notable credentials:

  • Certified Pesticide Applicator – Many regions require orchard farmers who apply pesticides or herbicides to be licensed or certified to ensure safe and responsible chemical use. Contact the Pesticide Safety Education Program in your state or territory for information on training and study materials.
  • Demeter Biodynamic Certification – Offered by Demeter USA and Biodynamic Federation Demeter International, this designation validates that products come from biodynamic agriculture, which is a holistic, ecological farming approach that views the farm as a self-sustaining ecosystem. Biodynamic agriculture emphasizes enhancing natural processes, promoting biodiversity, and minimizing external inputs like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
  • Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) Certification – This certification, administered by the USDA National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, validates on-farm food safety in handling, harvesting, and storage. It is valid for one year from the date of audit.
  • USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Organic Certification – This USDA certification is for farms that meet strict organic farming standards in the US.
  • Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certification – Offered by various food safety organizations, the HACCP credential demonstrates knowledge of this globally recognized food safety management system that ensures food safety throughout the food supply chain.

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Certifications section, the following organizations also support the orchard farming community by providing resources, education, networking opportunities, and advocacy:

  • International Fruit Tree Association (IFTA) – IFTA is a global organization focused on research, education, and networking for fruit tree growers.
  • United States Apple Association – USApple represents apple growers, packers, shippers, and marketers across the US.
  • California Walnut Board (CWB) – CWB supports walnut growers with marketing, research, and regulatory assistance.
  • Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) – OFRF works to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. It cultivates organic research, education, and federal policies that bring more farmers and acreage into organic production.
  • State and Regional Grower Associations – Many states and regions have their own fruit and nut grower organizations (e.g., Washington State Tree Fruit Association, New York State Horticultural Society) that offer local support and events.
  • Extension Services and Agricultural Universities – While not professional organizations per se, local agricultural extension offices and universities often provide valuable support, training, and research tailored to orchard farmers.