Become an Apprentice

The EarthDance Organic Farming Apprenticeship Program

Apprentices, or “Freshman Farmies”, commit a minimum of 10 hours per week to the program – which includes field walks, farm time and market labor. Weekly enrichment sessions provide additional education on topics like crop planning, pest and disease prevention, and preserving the harvest.  Field trips to local farms complete the apprenticeship.

This program was developed because the need for small-scale organic growers, especially in the St. Louis region, is increasing every day. All people who wish to engage in growing food in a cooperative working and learning environment are great candidates for this program, and more specifically:

• Recent Graduates: Recent graduates of area colleges and universities interested in organic farming, sustainability, environmental science, environmental / experiential education, agroecology, and other related careers
• Career Changers: Individuals interested in pursuing a different career path, and considering starting their own farm enterprise
• Ferguson Residents: Local community members interested in creating healthier lifestyles through increased activity and greater access to fresh food
• Educators: Educators wanting to incorporate sustainable food production into their teaching, and perhaps interested in starting a school garden

The Four Foundational Components of the program:

• Farm Work
• Enrichment Sessions, including Field Trips to Local Farms
• Selling at Farmers Markets
• CSA

Interested in Becoming an EarthDance Apprentice for the 2012 Season?

For more information for the 2011 season, click on the link below:

2012 About the Apprenticeship

Or consult our page of Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the program? Please send an email to rachel@earthdancefarms.org for more information.

To Apply to the EarthDance Organic Apprenticeship Program:

Want to join our 2012 Class of Freshman Farmies? Great!

There are 3 parts:

Part I. Basic Information – Submit online – Due at 12pm December 23rd, 2011

http://earthdance.wufoo.com/forms/part-i-apply-to-become-an-earthdance-apprentice/

Part II. Online – Due at 12pm on December 23rd, 2011

http://earthdance.wufoo.com/forms/part-ii-apply-to-become-an-earthdance-apprentice/

Part III. Mail in – Due December 23rd, 2011. Please mail in the following:

1. A photo of yourself
2. Your resume or recent work experience
3. A letter of recommendation (cannot be from a relative or significant other)
4. $25 application fee (make check payable to EarthDance)
5. Scholarship inquiry form, if applicable.
6. A self-addressed, stamped envelope

To apply for a scholarship for the 2011 apprenticeship program, download the 2012 Apprenticeship Scholarship Request Form.

Mail the above items to:

EarthDance

302 Thoroughman Ave

Ferguson, MO 63135

Your application is not complete until we receive Parts I, II, and III in full.  Thank you for your interest in the EarthDance Organic Farming Apprenticeship program!