This is an opportunity to learn how to be an organic farmer in northern New Mexico! Training is led by experienced organic farmers Don Bustos, Patrick Jaramillo, and Jennie London using a hands-on approach, 3 days a week. Commitment is one year. Details below.
Details about Training:
Trainings will take place on site at the Sostenga Farm at NNMC with field trips to area small organic farms. There will be additional field trips at sites around New Mexico as well as opportunities to attend conferences.
Farm Trainees will be trained by the American Friends Service Committee staff and consultants.
Training includes: farm planning, business planning, season extension, fertility and soil health, maintenance of equipment and usage, planting and harvesting techniques, organic pest mgmt, marketing, and an emphasis on network development/aggregation of food.
All training is free. Admissions to approved conferences is paid for.
Work/Experience Desired: Should have enthusiasm for organic farming, and must be able to take on the physically challenging schedule and tasks of the farming season. Must work well both individually and in community. Experience with or interest in working with farm equipment is preferred. Valid driver’s license preferred. Farmer trainee intern is involved in all aspects of food production, distribution, and record-keeping. Duties involve coldframe work, bed preparation, seeding and transplanting, weed control, insect and disease control, soil management, irrigation activities, harvesting, post harvest handling, and marketing. This position works closely with the Farm Manager and is supervised by AFSC.
Time Commitment: In general, training is Mon/Wed/Fri of every week for 6 hrs/day for 50 weeks beginning Wed. Jan. 23, 2013.
Stipend: Trainees are paid a bi-monthly stipend of $350.
If you are interested in applying for the training program, contact AFSC at: 505-842-7343 or snamaste@afsc.org before Jan 7th. Interviews will be conducted on Jan 8, 2013.