Grow Farmers

In 2009, EarthDance inaugurated its innovative part-time organic farming training program for 12 beginner farmers on 1 acre, and we’re excited to announce that we’ve expanded the program for the 2011 growing season to 33 apprentices and five times the acreage – to grow more local, organic food and farmers for the St. Louis region.

Apprentices, or “Freshman Farmies”, commit a minimum of 10 hours per week to the program – which includes weekly field walks, farm time and market labor. Additionally, on-farm enrichment sessions and field trips to local farms are held monthly.

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 Five Foundational Components of the program:

• Field Work/Walks
• Enrichment Sessions
• Selling at Farmers Markets
• Field Trips to Local Farms
• CSA

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

Our Apprenticeship Alumni: Each year, some Freshman Farmies will continue their commitment to organic farming education with a second year in the EarthDance apprenticeship program. Others will begin or continue their own farming enterprises and still others will explore other careers related to the good food movement. In the months ahead, we’ll profile many of them on our website to let you know what they’re up to now!