2017 Sustainable Agriculture Research Apprenticeship Program
Sustainable Small Farming Management and Research Apprenticeship
Location: CEFS’ Small Farm Unit, Goldsboro, NC
Required Commitment: August – December
Number of Positions: ONE
Overview of Research Experience:
The Small Farm Unit is a 4+ acre organically certified vegetable farm with
a greenhouse and three high tunnels for season extension research. An apprentice working at the small farm will learn how to farm using sustainable and organic practices. A large part of the experience will be the planting, fertilizing, weeding, harvesting, and pest scouting of a full season of vegetables. An apprentice could also be involved in assisting in the set up and maintenance of on-farm research projects and the collection of data associated with these projects. The participant will learn about sustainable soil management, cover crop use, crop rotation, irrigation systems, and will be trained on the various equipment use on a smaller-scale farm.
What Specific Skills Are Required for This Position?
Good communication and organizational skills, able to follow directions, to do tasks independently, and to work in a team, lift up to 40 pounds. Some activities may need to be done under adverse weather condition (cold, heat, rain, pollen).
What Does an Average Week Look Like? What might an Apprentice Encounter During This Time?
On farm work from 8-5 (hours can vary depending on heat or rain). The day usually 
On farm work from 8-5 (hours can vary depending on heat or rain). The day usually begins with a meeting with the manager to go over a list of tasks for the day or week. Daily tasks would include turning on irrigation, harvesting, weighing and sorting produce for donation later in the day, weeding, tilling or cultivating with the tractor, and pest scouting. One day a week we prepare “CSA shares” for a local assistance group in town that teaches cooking skills to families in need. The apprentice would be encouraged to participate in the class and cooking demonstration if he/she is interested.
The Skills You Acquire With This Apprenticeship Opportunity Will Build a Solid Foundation for the Following Career Paths:
Working on an organic/sustainable vegetable farm, managing an organic/sustainable vegetable farm, running your own organic/sustainable vegetable farm, attending undergraduate or graduate school in horticulture, agronomy, or entomology, etc., working with the extension service, agricultural research.
What is Expected of Apprentices from Faculty and Staff on This Project?
The Apprentice will be involved in all of the work that goes on at the Small Farm Unit. They will also be exposed to other research units at CEFS and will have the opportunity to volunteer time there if help is needed. The Apprentice will be involved in all the research activities, including planning, sampling, measuring, data management, and evaluation which will provide a good understanding about sustainable agricultural research procedures. They will be encouraged to participate in informal teaching opportunities and discussions that take place in the field and to share ideas related to improving both production and research. The knowledge and experiences gained is applicable to those interested in diverse small-farm management and/or sustainable agriculture research.
Other Requirements?
Apprentices will be expected to live in the Goldsboro area and have their own transportation. You will be responsible for securing your own housing. Housing is not provided.