Information for Potential Farm Apprentices

Click here to apply and create your apprentice profile

Introduction

The NOFA-NY Farm Apprenticeship Program begins with the connection between aspiring farmers and New York farms with apprenticeship opportunities. The NOFA-NY apprentice/host farm directory is not an automated matching service, but a tool to help experienced farmers and apprenticeship-seekers find each other. For more on this process, see “How It Works” below.

How it works (for apprentices; interested host farmers click here):

  1. Complete an online application to register as an apprenticeship-seeker. This creates your online profile, visible only to registered host farmers and our internal staff. If you would prefer, the process can be completed over the phone or through a mailed form by contacting Rachel at (585) 271-1979 ext. 511. NOFA-NY will review your application and contact you if more information is required.

  2. Approved profiles will be posted on the website and you will be notified of your login information and further information about using the directory.

  3. Your login will allow you to browse host farms’ profiles. When searching the online database, you may want to pay particular attention to the education plan and farm specialties list that the farmer has posted to their profile.  It is up to you, the potential apprentice, and the host farms, to contact each other to set up interviews for your farm apprenticeship.  We encourage you to take some time to visit the farm where you are interested in working and meet the farmer who you will be working with, as the success of your experience often hinges on the host-apprentice relationship.

  4. When you have decided upon an apprenticeship, you can set your profile to inactive and inform NOFA-NY of your plans. This way, we can make sure you will receive the support you need to make the most out of your apprenticeship experience and stay informed about events in the beginning farmer community.

Why find your apprenticeship through NOFA-NY?

Host Farm Education Plan

Host farms outline a specific education plan for apprentices before they can be listed on the NOFA-NY apprentice/host farm directory. We ask for this information because former apprentices from a range of programs typically have the most positive experiences when they are treated as learners as well as workers. An education plan is what distinguishes the host farm listing from being a simple classified ad for an hourly farm worker. 

Beginning Farmer Workshop Series and Social Events

Participants in the program are encouraged to attend events that are part of NOFA-NY’s Beginning Farmer Workshop series. Many farmers within the NOFA-NY host farm network allow their apprentice(s) the time away from the farm to take advantage of the educational and social opportunities these workshops provide.  Each of the workshops in this series will have a social event associated with it. The workshops will act as a supplement to NOFA-NY host farms’ education plans, but they will be open to any interested aspiring or beginning farmer, allowing for a richer networking experience during the workshop and connected social event.

Additional Incentives

The first 50 apprentices to update NOFA-NY that they have lined up an apprenticeship will be sent four Northeast Organic Farming Association technical manuals: Organic Weed Management, Organic Soil Fertility Management, Soil Resiliency and Health: Crop Rotation and Cover Cropping on the Organic Farm and The Wisdom of Plant Heritage: Organic Seed Production and Saving.

NOFA-NY takes pride in supporting the beginning farmer community. By updating our office about your apprenticeship, professional development and farming plans, we are able to make you aware of opportunities for further education and available resources. You will be part of a community of aspiring and beginning farmers that you can count on for technical and emotional support.

Timeline for Applying

While there is no deadline for applying, the majority of positions start in the spring and end in the fall. There are some early spring opportunities on farms producing maple syrup and some farms have year round placements.

International Applicants

Unfortunately at this time, we are not able to assist International Applicants as we do not provide a matching service and cannot assist with securing a work VISA.