What we do
Connecting a global grassroots network, collaborating with food and farming leaders, and cultivating community food systems
Experiential & Cultural Exchange
Our flagship program since 1996, Sustainable Agriculture & Global Exchange (SAGE) offers a rare opportunity for beginning and established farmers from different cultures to spur innovation, champion agricultural heritage, and transform our global food system. Our U.S. State Department designation as a J-1 training and cultural exchange program enables MESA to sponsor beginning international farmers to share and learn with Host farms or agricultural enterprises across the United States for up to one year.
MESA partners with mission-aligned NGOs, universities and trusted individuals abroad to carefully screen, nominate and support exchange trainees (aka “Stewards”), and to host reciprocal training opportunities for aspiring American agriculturists.
Sustainable Projects for Regeneration, Innovation & Growth (SPRIG)
MESA’s annual campaign raises funds to provide “SPRIG” mini-grants for program alumni to host a community presentation or develop an on-farm project to increase agroecological practices and/or build resilience for smallholder farmers. Each spring, our generous donors enable us to invite alumni of all programs to apply for a Transfer of Knowledge (ToK) stipend or SPRIG grant for an on-site project.
Global Agroecology Pathways Programs (GAPP)
Designed for U.S. participants, GAPP offers online certificate courses and 2-4 week residential fellowship opportunities to train with a NGO partner abroad.
With the launch of our very first agroecology certificate course in 2014, we’ve never stopped innovating and exploring new ways to engage and inspire online learners. Through class curriculum, facilitator led discussion, participatory engagement, and expert presentations, GAPP course students come away with a professional certificate, and a deeper connection to agroecology and community.
