Beginning as a Sustainable Agriculture Apprentice

Environmental preservation is a big concern these days. Leaders of the world and the general population alike have come to the conclusion that sustainable living is the future. There are many forms of sustainable living methods, but as a whole they are generally referred to as "Green". One of these methods is Sustainable Agriculture. Sustainable agriculture is a means of growing nutritious food that promotes the fair treatment of workers, animals and the environment. Its main focuses are the conservation of natural resources, animal welfare, the preservation of the land, biodiversity, and the workers' rights to fair treatment and fair wage. This is a growing field that offers starter positions for individuals interested in sustainable agriculture.

Many farms across the United States and Canada offer internships and or apprenticeships to interested and qualified candidates. This is an ideal starting point for beginning farmers. There are numerous resources to check into on the internet such as, www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/internships/. This website provides a search engine of farms in the U.S. and Canada offering internships and apprenticeships. Sustainable agriculture apprenticeships are programs that allow interested individuals to work hands on with a veteran farmer. During the program the apprentice will receive training from the farm hands, tend to livestock, assist in harvesting, and plant crops etc.

In conjunction with the hands on experience the apprentice will learn the ideals and values of the sustainable agricultural method. Attention to detail and excellent listening skills are required when participating in these programs, as you may be taking a lesson while you are rounding up cattle or feeding pigs. Farmers will discuss alternatives to pesticides and the rotation of crops. Growing a diverse grouping of crops and rotating them around the farm, reduces disease and the possibility of a pest outbreak. Most farms provide onsite lodging for their apprentices. Occasionally farms will offer meals but that is a rarity. However if a farm does not provide meals or lodging they may offer a stipend. A stipend is a monetary payment made to interns and apprentices by their employer. A stipend is usually a fixed amount of money that is agreed upon by both parties before the internship commences. It is not based on performance and is used to lessen the cost of lodging, transportation, and food to the intern.

Upon completing the internship, students would have learned a new found appreciation for the animals that provide the economical benefit to the farmers. Interns will gain knowledge on creating a humane atmosphere for their future workers and their livestock. When entering this setting, the farm students should have a state of mind relevant to what they are about to learn. Respecting the animals on the location and understanding the value sustainable agricultural farms have on the surrounding rural areas are core values. Support for sustainable agriculture is widespread as is helps to eliminate a farmer's dependency on government grants. Undoubtedly, acquiring an apprenticeship would be a terrific starting point for someone interested in hopping on the "Green" bandwagon.

Resources

Organic Farming Jobs

• Organic Farming
• Our Role as Eco-Friendly Gardeners
• Learning About Organic Farms as an Intern
• Join the Growing Green Industry of Farming and Horticulture
• Beginning as a Sustainable Agriculture Apprentice
• Pursue Green Jobs in Agriculture
• Green Jobs: Farmers of Organic Fruits and Vegetables
• Green Farming: Next Generation of Young Farmers
• Somatic Embryogenesis and Our Plants
• Sex and Our Agriculture
• Nursery Managers Make Great Salaries Working With Plants All Day
• Horticulture Requires Less Education But Does Require A Love for Growing Things
• The Eco Friendly Farmer
• Organic Farmer - Producing Foods Without Additives Is the Wave of the Future
• Landscaping - A Green & Sustainable Career
• Fabulous Fowl: The Profession of Organic Poultry Farming
• Home on the Range: The Profession of Range Ecology
• The Organic Farmer: The Ultimate Green Collar Worker
• Making it in Xeriscaping
• How to Begin a Greenhouse?
• What Does a Horticulturist Need to Study?
• Arborist
• Organic Food Production Worker
• Horticulture/Horticulturalist
• Permaculture/Permaculturalist
• Greenhouse - Co Op Business

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