Company description Caretaker Farm, established in 1969, is a community supported farm, that provides vegetables and fruits for 275 families during a summer CSA and 100 families through a winter CSA.  Annually, we train 3 apprentices within the framework and principles of organic agriculture. We also provide food weekly to a community hot meals program. The farm, while primarily directed to vegetable production, has mixed livestock (Pigs, Chickens, and Bees), 1 greenhouse, 3 hoophouses, 2 caterpillar tunnels, an orchard and a bakery. Nestled in a picturesque valley, Caretaker Farm covers 34 acres of forest land, meadow, pasture, vegetable fields, two ponds, and is bisected by a meandering stream. For over 35 years Caretaker Farm has trained more than 140 apprentices that currently manage farms across the country and around the world. Caretaker Farm's mission is to provide nourishment to all who come into contact with the farm.  Through connection with the land that grows our food, our community learns about care for each other and the earth. Internship description The apprenticeship at Caretaker Farm includes full immersion into the inner workings of a small scale family farm from soil preparation and greenhouse propagation to weed control and harvesting. There is a vast amount of education derived from the active participation in all of the farming systems throughout the season.

Another component is CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training), a seminar and farm visitation program for the apprentices from Caretaker and eleven other farms in the region. The objective of CRAFT is to enable the apprentices to study the diversity of farm design and agricultural technique found within the 12 collaborating farms and to form long-term friendships and a supportive community with their peers.

We also share all of our farm planning materials developed over the winter, provide weekly farm tours for apprentices, share literary resources that support out work, distribute weekly farm management information, teach fall workshops specific to the interests of the apprentices, facilitate monthly feedback sessions on both field work and community life, and provide support as apprentices develop the dreams of their farming future.

Internship Starts: Start of April
Internship Ends: The end of October.
Number of Interns: 3

Application Deadline: Rolling Admission until Filled

Meals: Apprentices have their own private kitchen. They are welcome to use farm vegetables.

Skills Desired:
While previous farming experience is not a prerequisite, the program is most suitable for those who feel they have a serious vocational interest in farming and/or agricultural development.

We seek apprentices who are self motivated; take initiative; are reliable, responsible, and professional; work well with others and individually; have a good sense of humor; appreciate high quality work/products; are excited about living in community with others; possess a deep respect for others and the land; work hard; and are able to lift 55 lbs.



Compensation: $950/month.  In addition to the stipend, apprentices receive room and partial board, workers’ compensation,  high speed internet, clothes washing facilities, access to an agricultural library and a week of paid vacation.Housing: All apprentices live on the farm in heated cabins.

Internship Details: The farm workweek of 5.5 days is challenging and the work itself is attuned to, and dependent upon, qualities of caring, persistence, efficiency, initiative, teamwork, and social justice. The apprentice’s responsibility and work experience covers all phases of sustainable crop production. But in addition to the daily work and interaction with the farmer, there many additional components to the apprenticeship training. Compensation this position is : stipend / non-monetary compensation
Application instructions Deadlineno deadline