Company description

We are a small, certified organic farm in coastal southern Maine, focusing on growing a diverse selection of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and cut  flowers.   Since starting 5 years ago, our main income has come from CSA memberships, seedling sales, floral design work, and workshops and cooking classes.  This summer we're launching a meal kit service, value-added products from our kitchen, and a winter farm store.  

We currently grow our crops on 3 acres of fields and in a heated greenhouse and two high tunnels.  The farm store, storage barn, and washing station are located in the center of the property and a new solar-powered building featuring a commercial kitchen, propagation greenhouse, floral design studio, workshop space, and crop storage rooms will be completed in May.    

Our CSA members use their credit to shop in the farm store whenever they want, or to pick up pre-pack boxes of vegetables and/or weekly bouquets. The farm store is open to the public six days a week and features our produce and flowers, as well as products from local producers (eg soap, tofu, mushrooms, bread, etc.).

Engaging with and educating the community in a variety of ways is an important part of our mission. We teach plant-based cooking classes, and host workshops on health, food, and agriculture and family-friendly events.  We dedicate about 1/4 of an acre to growing food that's donated to food pantries.

Our 2017 crew consists of Noah and Flora (co-owners), a second-year apprentice (who worked with us last year), a part-time farm store cashier, and three first-year apprentices.   We also have a handful of work-share CSA members who each work with us for a few hours a week.

 On a more personal level, we are intentional in our choice to farm together as a family, and to raise our two young children with an appreciation of hard work, living simply, and the natural world. Internship description

We are currently hiring for one remaining apprenticeship position.  Our apprenticeships offer a hands-on experience with agriculture, local food systems, and direct-to-consumer relationships:

This apprenticeship focuses mainly on vegetable farming and the flow of the seasons goes like this:   

• Spring involves starting seedlings in our greenhouse, field preparation and direct seeding of hardier crops, and some light carpentry/ finish work on our new building. Apprentices will be oriented to the use of hand tools, power tools, and the walk-behind tractor.  
• Summer and Fall tasks include planting; weeding; bug patrol; harvesting, washing and organizing produce; and assisting customers in the farm store. 
• Late Fall involves harvesting winter storage crops; preparing the greenhouses for the production of winter greens; preparing the fields for winter;  and assisting customers.

• Depending on your interests there may also be opportunities to gain skills in flower farming and floral design, marketing, carpentry, forestry, and organizing educational workshops and events.

The whole crew meets every morning to check in, with a more in-depth meeting once a week to do a field walk, go over the week’s plan, and set goals.  We demonstrate new tasks and work with you to develop and hone skills in the field; as you gain confidence and proficiency, you will often be expected to work without supervision.  Our weekly “lunch & learn” workshop has a specific topic (e.g. soil health, farm finances, irrigation) that's presented on and discussed.  We strongly encourage our apprentices to participate in MOFGA’s Farm Training Projects (regular potlucks, tours, and presentations on farms around the state) and to network with other farmers.  The compact size of the farm and small crew size allows for constant and personalized guidance and communication as needed.  This year we will also be implementing a monthly check-in with each apprentice to give, and receive, more in-depth feedback.

When:  The positions run from mid-April through the end of October, with the potential of staying on through the winter. You must be able to commit to the full 6+ month season.

The work week is Tuesday- Friday, 7am-5pm and Saturday 7am-4pm, with a 30 minute mid-morning break and 1 hour lunch break.  We do ask each apprentice to also work one Sunday/month (7am-4pm).   Most Sundays and all Mondays are days off. 

Apprentices get one week of paid vacation time.

Additionally, we encourage apprentices to take one additional day off a month to pursue other interests, such as volunteering, visiting other farms, etc.

Compensation:

Apprentices receive $500/month as well as housing, unlimited produce, and access to bulk pricing on other staple ingredients.

Housing (for the four apprentices) consists of two small campers and two bedrooms in the barn.  These spaces are within close proximity to the outhouse and the main farmhouse where there is a large full kitchen/living room shared by the apprentices, as well as a shared indoor shower, a washing machine, and wifi access.

Apprentices may choose whether to share groceries and eat all meals together, or have their own separate food. We occasionally eat all together for fun. Responsible drinking is OK.  No smoking or drugs. No pets or kids, please.

Where:  We are located on a rural but well-traveled stretch of road which connects the charming beach towns of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport and the small city of Biddeford - each about 4 miles away from us.  The cities of Portsmouth, NH and Portland are 30 miles in either direction.  We are minutes from biking and walking trails, sandy beaches, swimming spots, shops, restaurants, live music venues, etc.

You:    The ideal apprentice is self-directed, curious, and enthusiastic.  We value clear and open communication and expect our apprentices to be comfortable both working alone and with others, as well as providing friendly customer service to all sorts of characters in the busy farm store.  Patience with children is also important, as we have a 4 year old and 7 year old.
Apprentices must have the physical ability to perform manual labor for many hours at a time, in all kinds of weather, and the emotional/mental stamina to get through long days and weeks of work.

We strongly recommend bringing your own vehicle, or being an intrepid biker, in order to make the most of your days off.

Compensation this position is : stipend / non-monetary compensation
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