Model Farm Initiative (MFI) School Overview

NEED-Burma’s Model Farm Initiative (MFI) is a ten-month professional development training program in sustainable agriculture, environmental justice and community development for motivated youth from Burma of different ethnic backgrounds. Participants live, work and learn at NEED’s sustainable farm and training facility, located outside of Chiang Mai, Thailand.  Read More.

Through the Model Farm Initiative School (MFI), NEED-Burma provides a multi-ethnic environment for motivated youth from Burma to learn about alternative and traditional agriculture techniques, renewable energy, natural resource management and community development. Students participate in a six-month MFI program, living, working and learning at NEED-Burma’s sustainable organic farm and training center, located near Chiang Mai, Thailand.

NEED empowers and trains youth to be social change-makers by actively working for secure livelihoods, peace and sustainable development. MFI students learn about preserving indigenous knowledge, conducting research, collecting data, and collaborating with local communities to bring about positive change in Burma. MFI alumni return to their communities ready to share what they have learned and experienced, and act as advocates for more sustainable agricultural practices. MFI alumni work to improve the quality and health of the land by engaging those communities who depend upon it for their livelihoods.