Rippling Waters Organic Farm
Promoting Community Food
Security
through Education, Service & Action
Farm, Greenhouse & Community Gardens
55 River Road, Steep Falls, Maine 04085
(207)
642-5161
greengrower@ripplingwaters.org
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Rippling Waters Organic Farm Promoting Community Food
Security
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Apprentices will be involved in all aspects of the farm operation - this includes use of farm machinery, planting, cultivating, harvesting and selling at market. In addition to acquiring the skills needed to complete daily tasks, apprentices will be provided with an overview of how the farm works. This includes decision making regarding off- farm purchases of seeds, plant material and other supplies, the development of plant and transplant schedules for greenhouse and field crops, soil test analysis and application of manure and soil amendments. Apprentices will also learn how traditional agriculture has given way to large scale agribusiness and the role that organic and sustainable agriculture plays in meeting consumer needs. Apprentices are expected to work 9 hour days (7:30 - 5:30 - hour off for lunch) 5 1/2 days a week (on harvest days we work until all task are completed including the loading of truck(s) for farmers’ markets). Some week end work will be necessary. The farm is open seven days a week during the farm season and we sell produce at the Portland and Bridgton Farmers Market on Saturdays. Apprentices will be given on the job training and will work with other farm employees, school age children and adult volunteers as much as possible. Time will be set aside each week for more formal discussions regarding the overall farm operation and techniques used for planting, cultivating, harvesting, processing and marketing farm products. Apprentices will receive a reading packet containing a variety of articles about organic farming techniques. Reading assignments will be given each week and will provide the background needed to have fruitful discussions about theory vs actual practice on the farm. Apprentices will also be given the opportunity to take on responsibility for a project of their choice such as maintaining the herb or perennial gardens, composting, production of the farm’s newsletter or providing supervision / instruction to volunteer youth who may be working on the farm this summer. Apprentices will receive $100 a week in addition to free room and board. Room & Board provided in farm house. The farm will be set up as a cooperative, nonsexist, nonsmoking, vegetarian household. Apprentices will be asked to sign up for housekeeping chores, cook at least one night a week, attend monthly house meetings, share meals when they can and hopefully have fun while on the farm.
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Last updated: February, 2008 |