General Information on Apprenticeship:
Village Acres Farm grows certified organic vegetables and berries for a 190 member CSA in State College and Mifflintown, PA, and for wholesale to Tuscarora Organic Growers Cooperative. Our CSA has summer and winter shares, with winter greens grown in three large unheated greenhouses. We also raise free-range poultry, pork and eggs, and organic cut flowers. Our apprentices assist with the CSA operation - a great learning opportunity!

Click here for an apprentice application.

Internship starts: March-May
Internship ends: November-February
Application Deadline: Apply anytime
Minimum Length Stay: 3 months
Number of Interns: 4
Contact Preference: Phone, Email or Mail

Work/Experience Desired:
We typically welcome three to four apprentices per season who can stay from 3-12 months, depending on the needs of the farm.

Education Opportunity:
Training and work experience include organic production practices for vegetables, berries and flowers - as well as seedling propagation and winter production in greenhouses. Pasture-based poultry, a year-round CSA, and cooperative wholesale marketing are also important elements. Bi-monthly workshops and off-farm tours - with the farmers or through Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) - are part of the training program.

Stipend/Compensation:
$500-$800/month - increased in second year.

Housing:
We have a three-bedroom, two-bath apartment attached to the farmhouse with its own kitchen.  Wireless high speed internet access is available, although not everywhere in the apartment.

Meals:
Apprentices cook and eat in their own apartment or house, and are encouraged to share meal preparation. Unlimited seconds produce is available from the farm, and a $100/month/person food allowance covers other purchases.

Details about Internship/Apprenticeship:
The apprentices as a crew are involved in most aspects of working on an organic vegetable farm, with daily access to the farmer for advice and encouragement.  Apprentices can be expected to work on everything from: seedling propagation to field preparation to harvesting and marketing.  It is hard work, please do not apply if you are not ready and willing to work hard, day after day.  We work five days per week (hours vary from winter to summer) and every other Saturday. We work hard to build community with the farmers and apprentices - taking every opportunity to celebrate birthdays and special occasions with a potluck down by the creek. We welcome couples and families to apply, as well as single people.  Lost Creek borders the northern part of the farm and empties into the Juniata River, less then a mile away, which offers great fishing, canoeing, and tubing opportunities. Trails and roads for good hiking and biking abound as well. 

Next Step:

If you are interested in finding out more about an apprenticeship at Village Acres Farm, please email us at: villageacres@gmail.com or call us at (717) 436-9477.  Click here for an apprentice application.