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Annually, six Seed Farm apprentices are selected to take part in a 9-month program that trains new farmers in all aspects of managing a diversified vegetable farm. The apprentices start seeds, transplant, and care for a two-acre market garden at the Seed Farm site near Vera Cruz, PA. Participants learn a variety of skills including: soil fertility management, safe operation of farm equipment, disease and insect management, harvest and post-harvest handling, and marketing. The first year program also includes formal classes through Penn State Cooperative Extension.

Number of Apprentices Selected: 6

Time Commitment: 20 hours per week February – November 2012.  Apprentices should expect to work some early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Compensation: This is an unpaid apprenticeship. Meals and housing are not provided.

Responsibilities:
1. Apprentices participate in all aspects of running the Seed Farm market garden.  Duties include: greenhouse work, soil preparation, site maintenance (mowing and weed-eating), planting, cultivating, harvesting, and marketing.
2. All apprentices are expected to attend weekly farm walks and field demonstrations.
3. Each apprentice will be responsible for managing one crop in the market garden.
4. Attend courses offered by Penn State Cooperative Extension (Exploring the Small Farm Dream and Introduction to Organic Vegetable Production).

Qualifications:
1. One year of farming experience on a diversified vegetable farm.
2. All apprentices are expected to have a strong work ethic, commitment to detail, ability to take direction and also work independently when necessary.
3. Dedication to cooperative working and sustainable agriculture is necessary as is the ability to work well with staff and other apprentices.
4. Ability to lift 50 pounds.
5. Ability to work in all weather conditions, especially heat.

Applications for the 2013 season will be available in August 2012. For more information about the program contact Sara Runkel by phone at 610-391-9583 Ext 16 or by email at sara_runkel@theseedfarm.org