The Apprenticeship Program

General Information: The Ecosystem Farm of the Accokeek Foundation is an 8-acre certified organic vegetable farm (including blueberries, strawberries, figs, culinary herbs, and cut flowers) on the banks of the Potomac River in Piscataway National Park. We use solar power for irrigation and for potable well water. We operate a 60-household CSA.

General Apprenticeship Information:
Three internships are available in 2010.
One position starting March 1 and ending November 24.
Two positions starting April 1 and ending October 31.

Details about the Apprenticeship: The Ecosystem Farm hires two-three individuals for each growing season as apprentices. This is an intensive "land-based training" program in organic vegetable production, with opportunities to work in livestock production, for those who have a demonstrated and serious desire to pursue farming as a way of life. Some apprentices stay on for a second year with greater responsibilities and opportunities to pursue research and entrepreneurial projects. Our goal is to practice and demonstrate a sustainable agriculture. The work is challenging (physically, mentally, and emotionally) although instruction is provided in a safe and organized manner. Accordingly, safety and personal accountability are expected to be taken very seriously.

Apprentices support our work producing food for our CSA and as an education and demonstration site, and typically work between 40-55 hours a week. Our goal is to expose apprentices to many experiences, techniques, and approaches to sustainable agriculture while accomplishing our work. Apprentices are involved in all aspects of production (including greenhouse work, soil preparation, planting, transplanting, use of drip irrigation, cultivation and mulching, pest control, harvesting, post-harvest handling, and marketing and sales). Apprentices also receive both formal (e.g., classes, workshops) and informal instruction in sustainable agriculture methods and philosophy, and attend a series of off-site visits. Apprentices may interact with the public through volunteer days, school and private tours, and at off-site functions. We offer a generous monthly stipend, a health insurance premium, a binder of selected readings, textbooks, and food from the farm. We assist the apprentices in finding local and affordable housing.

Apprentice Qualifications: Applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to farming as a career. Applicants must have a strong desire to learn, to work hard, and to work well with others. Applicants should be reliable, physically capable, emotionally mature, and take pleasure in teamwork.

The Accokeek Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Download the application here.