Cornell University has opened applications for the Lund Fellows Program for Regenerative Agriculture 2026, a paid summer research and experiential learning fellowship that gives undergraduate students the opportunity to work directly with sustainable farms while developing practical skills in regenerative agriculture, food systems, and environmental sustainability.
The fellowship combines classroom learning with hands-on farm experience, allowing participants to explore ecological farming practices, contribute to community-based agriculture, and gain valuable research and professional development experience. Selected fellows receive a $7,500 summer stipend while completing an eight-week internship at approved regenerative farms.
About the Lund Fellows Program
The Lund Fellows Program for Regenerative Agriculture is an experiential learning initiative offered through Cornell University’s Global Development Section. The program helps students deepen their understanding of natural ecosystems while learning ecological and social approaches to agriculture.
Participants work alongside experienced farmers, researchers, and agricultural professionals to support sustainable food production and regenerative farming systems.
The programme also strengthens partnerships between Cornell University and local farms while supporting small agricultural enterprises that may not otherwise have the resources to host interns.
Fellowship Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Build practical agricultural research experience
- Promote regenerative and sustainable farming practices
- Increase understanding of agroecological systems
- Support local farming communities
- Strengthen university-community partnerships
- Encourage environmentally sustainable food production
- Develop future leaders in agriculture and food systems
Areas of Learning
Fellows gain experience in a variety of agricultural disciplines, including:
- Regenerative Agriculture
- Agroecology
- Organic Farming
- Biodynamic Agriculture
- Sustainable Food Systems
- Climate-Smart Agriculture
- Soil Health
- Crop Production
- Community Food Systems
- Agricultural Sustainability
- Environmental Stewardship
- Local Food Distribution
- Ecosystem Management
- Small-Scale Farming
- Rural Development
Internship Experience
Selected fellows complete an intensive eight-week summer internship at an approved agroecological farm.
During the internship, participants:
- Work approximately eight hours per day
- Participate five days each week
- Contribute to meaningful farm operations
- Learn directly from experienced farmers
- Apply classroom knowledge in real-world agricultural settings
- Develop practical farming and research skills
Fellowship Stipend
Successful participants receive a $7,500 stipend for the eight-week summer internship.
The stipend supports students throughout their immersive agricultural learning experience.
Farm Placements
Students may be placed at one of several partner organizations, including:
- Little Gem Farm
- Oko Farms
- Eve’s Cidery
- Red Hook Farms
- Bronx River Foodway
- Fort Baptist Farm
- Dilmun Hill Student Organic Farm
- Red House Ranch
- South Hill Cider
- Meadows Bee Farm
- Usonia Wine
- Syracuse Refugee Agricultural Program
- Youth Farm Project
Placement depends on programme needs and student interests.
Program Requirements
Participants are expected to complete several academic and experiential components throughout the fellowship.
These include:
- Completion of prerequisite coursework in regenerative, biodynamic, organic, or sustainable agriculture (or equivalent experience)
- Participation in a one-credit pre-internship spring course
- Completion of the eight-week paid internship
- Regular online or in-person programme check-ins
- Participation in reflective writing assignments and discussions
- Completion of a one-credit post-internship course
- Presentation of internship experiences through a professional poster session
Eligibility
The Lund Fellows Program is designed for Cornell University undergraduate students from a wide range of academic disciplines who have an interest in agriculture, sustainability, environmental studies, food systems, or related fields.
Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to learning about regenerative agriculture and sustainable food production.
Program Highlights
Participants benefit from:
- Paid summer internship
- $7,500 fellowship stipend
- Hands-on agricultural experience
- Professional mentoring
- Community engagement
- Sustainable farming education
- Research experience
- Leadership development
- Networking opportunities
- Poster presentation experience
Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture
The programme partners with farms that emphasize:
- Agroecological farming methods
- Biodynamic agriculture
- Organic farming
- Regenerative agriculture
- Diversified small-scale farming
- Community-supported agriculture
- Inclusive farming practices
The programme also prioritizes partnerships with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers, helping strengthen equity within sustainable agriculture.
Professional Development
Beyond farm work, fellows participate in activities that build valuable career skills, including:
- Research communication
- Scientific writing
- Public presentations
- Professional networking
- Agricultural leadership
- Community engagement
- Sustainable development practices
Application Deadline
Applications for the Summer 2026 Lund Fellows Program are open, with the application deadline set for February 8, 2026.
Interested students are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
Why Apply?
The Lund Fellows Program offers a unique opportunity to combine academic study with practical agricultural experience. Students gain first-hand exposure to regenerative farming while contributing to sustainable food systems and building skills that prepare them for careers in agriculture, environmental science, food policy, international development, and sustainability.
The programme provides meaningful mentorship, real-world experience, and financial support through a generous summer stipend, making it one of Cornell University’s premier undergraduate experiential learning opportunities.
Conclusion
The Cornell University Lund Fellows Program for Regenerative Agriculture 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for undergraduate students interested in sustainable agriculture, ecological farming, and food systems. Through paid internships, professional development, and immersive farm experiences, fellows gain practical knowledge that prepares them to become future leaders in regenerative agriculture and environmental sustainability.
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