Before you start searching for the perfect organic or sustainable agriculture internship, know that there are some issues to consider:
After lining up all your ducks in a row, check out the following organic agriculture internship opportunities.
1. NCAT Sustainable Farming Internships and Apprenticeships
The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) Sustainable Agriculture Project maintains an easy-to-search directory of on-the-job learning opportunities in sustainable and organic agriculture. Most of the learning opportunities are in the United States, but some are offered in Canada as well. This directory is comprehensive, super easy to search by area and you can browse the listings for free.
2. World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), founded in 1971, is an organization dedicated to linking up volunteers with organic farmers. WWOOF farms host their volunteer via accommodations and meals and of course volunteers gain skills that can translate to a career in organic agriculture.
WWOOF offers opportunities in North America, Latin America, Europe-Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. Volunteers must have a genuine interest in learning about organic agriculture or ecologically living and must agree to provide their hosts with daily tasks for an agreed upon number of hours.
3. Heifer International
Heifer International's goal is to end world hunger and poverty, with ecologically sound practices that help train people in communities to eventually provide for themselves and their own community. Giving consists of livestock and other material goods, training and help with organizational planning processes.
Volunteers with Heifer International may apply to one of three programs, in either Arkansas or Massachusetts. On-hands learning varies depending on which open position you apply for but may include growing, harvesting, helping with livestock, farm construction and more. Programs include the following:
- Residential volunteers who temporarily move to the area and/or live on-site and dedicate large amounts of time, from months to a full year, volunteering.
- Part-time volunteers live off-site and work for 3-6 months.
- Public event and special project volunteers also live off-site and the time commitment depends on the project or event.
Visit Heifer International's position page to apply or see open jobs.
4. MOSES Farmer-to-Farmer Mentoring Program
This program isn't officially an internship opportunity, but it's very like-minded. The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) Farmer-to-Farmer Mentoring Program matches up already experienced organic farmers with newly transitioning organic farmers so that learning and skills may develop through one-on-one interaction.
A major benefit of this program is that newer organic farmers gain access to a strong formal educational component as well as hands-on-training, including participation in the MOSES Organic Farming Conference and Organic University.
5. Go Local
Sometimes, close-to-home is the best place to look for an internship. Just because a farm isn't huge or backed by a large organization, doesn't mean they don't have organic internships available.
Be sure to check out local resources, and simply ask if they offer internships, such as smaller nearby farms, CSAs and Farmers Markets. You can go a bit bigger and check out local state agriculture coalitions or groups and also look into organic community gardens.
