Farm and FoodShed Apprenticeship in Pennsylvania

Village Acres Farm and FoodShed welcomes you to apply for an apprenticeship for 2012 General Information: Village Acres Farm, located in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania,  grows certified organic vegetables and berries for a 200 member CSA in Central and South Central Pennsylvania and wholesale to Tuscarora Organic Growers Cooperative. The CSA has summer and winter shares, with winter greens grown in three large unheated greenhouses. They also raise free-range poultry, pork and eggs, and organic cut flowers. Apprentices assist with the CSA operation - a great learning opportunity! Internship starts: March-May; Internship ends: October-December; Application Deadline: April 1; Minimum Length Stay: 3 months Village Acres Farm typically welcome three to four apprentices per season who can stay from 3-8 months, depending on the needs of the farm. To learn more about the apprenticeship opportunities, and how to apply, click "read more"

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Education Opportunity: Training and work experience include organic production practices for vegetables, berries and flowers – as well as seedling propagation and winter production in greenhouses. Pasture-based poultry, a year-round CSA, and cooperative wholesale marketing are also important elements. Periodic workshops and off-farm tours – with the farmers or through Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) field days are part of the training program.

Stipend/Compensation: $600-$800/month depending on training, experience and assigned responsibilities.

Housing: Lodging is provided, along with kitchen facilities.

Meals: Apprentices cook and eat in their own apartment or house, and are encouraged to share meal preparation. Unlimited seconds produce is available from the farm, and a $75/month/person food allowance covers other purchases.

Details: Apprentices as a crew are involved in most aspects of working on an organic vegetable farm, with daily access to the farmer for advice and encouragement.  Apprentices can be expected to work on everything from: seedling propagation to field preparation to harvesting, marketing, and processing the farm’s certified kitchen.  It is hard work, please do not apply if you are not ready and willing to work hard, day after day.  Apprentices are expected to work five days per week (hours vary from winter to summer) and every other Saturday. Attention is pleased on building community with the farmers and apprentices – taking every opportunity to celebrate birthdays and special occasions with a potluck down by the creek.  Lost Creek borders the northern part of the farm and empties into the Juniata River, less then a mile away, which offers great fishing, canoeing, and tubing opportunities. Trails and roads for good hiking and biking abound as well.

Next Step: If you are interested in finding out more about an apprenticeship at Village Acres Farm, check out the website https://www.villageacresfarm.com, email: debra@villageacresfarm.com or call  (717) 436-9477. Click here to download an application.