Boots on the Ground: NC Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship
Host Farms Application
To become a host farmer, you must complete an application and be approved by the Boots on the Ground: NC Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship Advisory Team. The “host farmer” title applies to an individual grower, and not necessarily to the farm on which they currently operate.
Host farms will be chosen through an application, site visit, and interview process. In addition, all host sites must be approved by the Advisory Team.
Requirements for host farmers include:
1) In business for at least 3 years
2) Committed interest in training new farmers
3) Demonstrated proficiency in the majority of core competencies defined in the apprenticeship curriculum
4) Prior experience managing employees, apprentices, or interns
5) Ability to financially support an employee for 20-40 hours per week for a minimum of 1,600 hours over 12 months
6) Willingness to complete pre and post program and event surveys
7) Willingness to meet and communicate with apprentice, program coordinators, and other stakeholders on a regular or as-needed basis
Note: Some of the above requirements may be waived in unusual circumstances or with demonstrated skills outweighing a criteria that is unmet. Waiver of host farmer qualifications is subject to approval by the Boots on the Ground: NC Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship Advisory Team.
If you meet the eligibility criteria above and are interested in becoming a host farm/farmer for the pilot program, please fill out the application form here:
Host Farm Application Process
Step one
Complete the farm host interest form by clicking the button at the bottom of this page. We’ll check to see if you’re eligible to become a host farmer. If you meet the basic requirements we will set up a phone interview and site visit. All Host farms will be subject to approval by the planning committee. Once your application is approved, we’ll create a “host farmer profile” for you that we’ll share on the website.
Step two
Arrange interviews with apprentices. We’ll provide you with contact information for apprentices whose farming goals and interests align with your own. Conversely, we’ll also provide your contact information to apprentices who might be interested in working for you. Telephone, video, in-person, and on-the-job interviews are all acceptable, but must be mutually agreed upon by you and the apprentice. We will provide a list of interview questions that might be helpful.
Step three
Set your course. Once you connect with an apprentice you’d like to work with, we’ll work with you and the apprentice to develop an apprenticeship contract and get registered with ApprenticeshipNC. There will be a probationary period to ensure the placement is a good fit for all participants.