2009 Apprenticeship Program

The best way to learn about farming is from farmers.  Hands-on experience combined with reading, classes, and informal training will help you decide if farming is a good fit for you, and will help give you the basics you need to get started.  Growing Growers apprentices need not have experience in agriculture, but you must have a willingness to work hard and to learn while you do. 

Growing Growers Apprentices work on local, sustainably run farms where they experience the day to day operation of the farm.  In 2009, we have more than 20 potential host farms.
 

What makes up an apprenticeship?

Field work is a large component of the apprenticeship, because it is also a large component of farming.  Some farms include apprentices in their marketing and sales (farmers market, CSA packaging or delivery, restaurant sales, etc.).

Classes and reading can only take you so far.  On your host farm you'll go a step beyond, and get a real sense of the skills needed to work through the challenges and changes of a farm through the growing season. 

Workshops are held monthly, March through November, and cover topics relevant to sustainable farming. A list of workshops can be found here.  These workshops include presentations by local farmers, extensions agents and other experts.   Over the course of the season, workshops introduce ideas that help apprentices learn not only about growing food, but about how to plan a basic farm business. 

Apprentices are required to attend 7 core workshops and at least 2 other Growing Growers elective workshops, agricultural conferences or professional meetings. These electives allow apprentices to explore specific interests that may not be part of the core workshops. 

Workshops move around the metro area and almost always involve a farm tour.  Apprentices need to cover the cost of driving to workshops that may be as far as two hours away from their host farm. 

One-on-One Training.  In addition to training during the course of the work day, apprentices receive 8-10 hours of focused, specific training from their host farmer(s).  This training is a way for host farmers to share the specifics of their farm with apprentices. Topics can include anything from budgeting to beekeeping.

Curious?  Click here for a description of some 2008 one-on-one training sessions.

Books and Informational Materials are handed out over the course of the season and cover business planning, equipment, soils, pests and disease management and other topics relevant to start-up growers.

Apprentices Guidelines:

·        Paid Apprenticeships:  There are a limited number of paid positions open on local host farms (see “Host Farm List” page).  Paid apprentices will work a minimum of 20 hours a week on a local farm.

·        Volunteer Apprenticeships:  There are a number of volunteer apprenticeship positions that require a minimum of 4 hours a week volunteer time. 

We select apprentices by the end of March.  Apprenticeships generally begin in March and April and run through October, depending on the host farm’s needs.

 In 2009, we will charge a non-refundable training fee of $300.  A limited number of scholarships are available.