As the winter of 2012 prematurely closes a small team of part time service industry surfs have decided to use their various farm and gardening experiences, agricultural, education and social science degrees, and awareness of the needs of many people in our community to launch Forest Gardens for All.

FGFA is a new not for profit organization in Northampton Massachusetts. We aim to put the structures of Permaculture based food and medicine production in the hands of anyone, regardless of their income or housing status.  In the long term our missions include employing as many people as possible, addressing inequalities in healthy food access in the Connecticut River valley, and directly solving problems that families intertwined with the criminal justice system face through free transportation, job training, and healthy food access.

As our first step in 2012 we are starting a decentralized bicycle based organic nursery.   We offer a unique selection of individual seedlings in pots made of  dried cow manure at local Farmers Markets.  As the season progresses we will begin to offer magical themed plant habitats in ‘air pots’ made of recycled plastic bottles.

Our core group currently works to create food access in Northampton without barriers, red tape, or bureaucracy.  Forest Gardens for All looks to systematize free produce and medicine production through closing the broken loop in our food security system.

We want to maintain as large of a work force as possible to help create jobs for our neighbors and community members.  Currently we are friends using all of our available space to grow about fifty species of vegetables, herbs, and flowers in our rentals in the Northampton area, and in community garden plots .

As soon as we can find available, affordable, we will centralize our operation. Accomplishing our initial goals will help us envision and fund our future space and expansion.

Because our goals include making our products available to as many demographics as possible we are developing a sliding scale pricing system. We offer a variety of sizes and pot choices to customers.  We use pots other gardeners might disregard, industrial food processing containers (like coffee bags), and repurposed containers of many shapes and sizes, to help cut costs and to diversify how gardens are conceptualized.  We also offer locally sourced and industrially sourced containers for more traditional looks and functions.  Our bottom line is a maximum of community spread not total profit.  To us hitting the maximum community spread means getting our potted polycultures to everyone who wants them in our current focus area, while employing the maximum number of people at a job with dignity and (hopefully) sanity.

Part of the mission for 2012 is to place intentional polycultures in public as well as private space.   We hope that, among many other changes, someday this lush valley will again feed its inhabitants.

We use small and slow solutions!

Some potential responsibilities for a 2012 summer or fall intern:

• Identifying local schools and organization who would appreciate donations of potted polycultures.
• Planting seeds, transplanting, taking clones, grafting, creating soil mixes, maintaining gardens, biking with a bike cart full of plants, working at farmers markets.
• Updating our web site with new plant availabilities.
• Working on print and digital media to help educate people about permaculture and food security.
• Identifying, writing, and applying for grants.
• Researching and presenting information on:
• Equitable potting soil components
• International community actions resisting corporate takeover of local food systems
• Non-profit tax and insurance rules and regulations
• Farm land acquisition

For information, contact Tony Hall at; forestgardensforall@gmail.com

Fred’s Farm — a Certified Organic farm in Alexandria, NH…

…. is seeking one more hard-working individual to join our team. Live on-site and help us revitalize 10 acres of hay field into a sustainable and productive organic farm. We have 3 acres of vegetables planned this season, and joint projects with a nearby diversified certified organic farm are already in the works and will be ongoing — including 4-season greenhouses, goat dairy/cheese making and laying hens.

The right applicant has a cheerful, enthusiastic personality and a superb work ethic. Farm experience is preferred but not required — students studying sustainable agriculture and persons with mechanical, outdoor and/or gardening experience are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should expect to lift up to 50 lbs. and be prepared to work in all types of New England weather. Creativity is encouraged, and opportunities to design and execute individual projects on the farm are endless. Housing and meals are included; salary is negotiable depending on abilities and experience. There is potential for long-term participation or partnership with the farm for the right person(s).

Please contact Sadie Jenkins at fredsorganics@gmail.com or (603)998-7656 for more information

Sadie Jenkins Head Vegetable Grower Fred’s Farm 31 Bailey Rd Alexandria, NH 03222 (603) 998-7656

Deepening Roots Farm Internship

Deepening Roots is offering an unique opportunity to intern with a farm in its first year of production. Located in Amherst, Ma Deepening Roots Farm is offering multiple internship positions for the 2012 growing season.  We will be cultivating 3 acres of organic salad mixes, kale, swiss chard, spinach, herbs and other leafy greens for schools, restaurants and local grocery stores from May through December.

Deepening Roots Farm Interns:

The goal of the internship is to give students the opportunity to learn the many aspects of starting and maintaining a farm / business.  As an intern you will be able to participate in the decision process in researching equipment, creating planting schedules, designing best planting, weeding, harvesting and packaging systems, making compost, designing an irrigation system, building a greenhouse and hoop houses, maintaining field records, grant writing, marketing and meeting with potential buyers.

Deepening Roots Programs:

Deepening Roots started out seven years ago offering educational programming in sustainable agriculture and health and wellness across North America and parts of Europe.  We teach a Summer Immersion Program, Weekend Workshop and High School Farm to School Programs.  As an intern you will have the opportunity to participate in our Teacher Training in Washington D.C. at a reduced rate where you will learn how to teach the Weekend Workshop and High School Farm to School Program. To learn more about these programs visit www.deepeningroots.org

More Information:

We are happy to answer any questions you may have. You can contact Andrew at: andrew@deepeningroots.org

Letter of Interest:

If interested please submit a Letter of Interest including:  Name, email, phone number and brief description of your interest and experience.  No experience required to apply.

It is possible to gain academic credit as an intern and farm schedules can be flexible to accommodate class schedule, work schedule etc.  This is an unpaid internship.

Assistant Farm manager (pursuing a Farm Career)

Yellow Stonehouse Farm is a 55 acre vegetable and Hay forage operation located on the Manhan River in North Westfield at the Southampton town line 16 miles from Northampton Center. We have a CSA and some retail markets servicing Hampden county.

Assistant Manager position works directly with owners, and some previous farm experience is required. Work week is 5 day schedule (days off are Wednesday and Sunday)  pay rate of $11.00 to $12.00 to start based on experience with 1 week paid vacation. Start date of May.

Responsibilities include: Field work, transplanting, weeding, crew supervision and motivation.

Other tasks include, supervision of PYO, greenhouse duties, preparing CSA distributions, washing produce, and any task required to make the farm run smoothly.

Email   yellowstonehousefarm@verizon.net    attention John

Urban Farm Coordinator -  Worcester, MA

New Lands Farm, a project of Lutheran Social Services (LSS), seeks an Urban Farm Coordinator to support an exciting new project that engages recently resettled refugees in growing food for their families and the community in Worcester, MA. LSS is a non-profit, refugee resettlement organization that provides refugees with the support and guidance needed to achieve economic self-sufficiency, community integration and a better future.

About the position

The Urban Farm Coordinator will help manage our Educational Agriculture Training Center (EAT Center), which is a small urban incubator farm in the Main South area of Worcester, MA. The EAT Center is a partnership between LSS, Worcester Regional Environmental Council, Worcester Common Ground, and the Worcester Mayor’s Office. The project vision is to train urban, new American farmers how to grow and market organic produce cultivated on previously vacant lots throughout the city. We are operating one site so far, and look forward to developing a second soon. The position is 15 hours per week, $12.50 per hour, and runs for 25 weeks beginning in April.

Responsibilities:

The Urban Farm Coordinator will support the New Lands Farm Program Specialist and urban farmers in the following ways:

• Overall coordination of 1/8 acre urban farm site for supplies, maintenance, and infrastructure developments/ improvements
• Organize farmers for trainings and classes on organic agriculture and marketing
• Mentor three farmers in planting, seeding and production
• Oversee harvest and post harvest handling with farmers
• Assist in technical assistance and other farmers concerns
• Complete bi-weekly one-on-one visits with farmers with written notes
• Complete monthly site assessments
• Aid in researching and establishing a second urban farm site as time allows
• Document the farmers experience and season through photos and postings for website and facebook

Qualifications:

• Demonstrate background in growing and selling organic produce
• Experience growing food in an urban environment is preferred
• 1-2 years experience working for similar program/farm or degree in agriculture a plus
• Experience teaching is a plus
• Comfortable working with people of diverse backgrounds and different English levels
• Valid drivers license and clean driving record, personal vehicle preferred
• Strong record keeping, organization and computer skills
• Team player who can work independently as needed
• Creative problem solver
• Construction and mechanical skills are a plus

 If interested, please forward your resume and cover letter to Agricultural Program Specialist Ashley Carter at acarter@lssne.org. Please visit our website for more information: www.lssne.org/newlandsfarm.

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Farm help wanted. Riverland Farm is a 28 acre certified organic vegetable operation on the Connecticut River in Sunderland, MA.  We grow for a 450 member on farm CSA, a 100 member off farm CSA, 2 extended season CSA programs in the Boston area and CT, and wholesale accounts.

Prior farm experience preferred but not required.  We are especially interested in applicants that are considering pursuing farming as a career.  Applicant should be capable of working independently as well as with a crew, have strong attention to detail while keeping efficiency a priority. Applicant needs to be able to work in any weather condition all day, and maintain a positive attitude. This job is a physically demanding job.  Applicant should be in good physical shape and be able to lift 50 pounds.

Daily responsibilities will include: All aspects of harvest, requiring use of sharp tools, extended periods of time crouching/squatting. Field work such as transplanting, weeding (by hoe and by hand), operating a farm vehicle, and any other field task as necessary. Non-field tasks include: greenhouse seeding, washing/processing produce, preparing wholesale orders, maintenance and repair of farm equipment and buildings

We currently have 3 positions available.  Hours vary with the season and position but are typically between 48 and 60 hours/wk.

Position #2 Full Time/Full Season Position

Runs April-November (with possibility of continuing into December)

Prior farm experience strongly preferred.

Pay is commensurate with experience and includes 1 wk paid vacation

 Position #3 Full Time/Part Season Position

Runs end of May to end of August(with possibility of continuing into the fall)

Good position for someone with a keen interest in farming but unable to make a full season commitment.

Pay is $8/hr

More detailed job descriptions are provided to qualified applicants.  Please send resume and interest to Rob Lynch. info@riverlandfarm.com

For more opportunities see: Sustainable Food and Farming Work

Wednesday Market at Kendrick Park     ***starting immediately***

Overview:
Wednesday Market at Kendrick Park is hiring a Market Manager. Qualified individuals should send a cover letter and resume with references to kendrickparkmarket@gmail.com.
The position starts as soon as possible, as there is immediate work to be done in organizing this year’s market.

The Farmers’ Market manager is responsible for the daily operations of the Wednesday Market at Kendrick Park beginning on May 16th through October 17th. Non-market hours are also required for marketing and other administrative duties. Attendance at every market and all general market meetings is required.

The market manager is the “go-to” person for vendors and customers during market hours and is the representative on site. The job requires personal confidence and the ability to communicate with a variety of people. The market manager serves as liaison with and between all parties served by the market, helping promote the market and keeping accurate weekly records of market activities (listed below). The manager understands both the vendors’ and the customers’ needs and implements strategies to meet those needs with the help of the market president and committee.  The manager is required to be on-site at the market and be available to vendors and consumers for the duration of the vendors’ market day (1:30pm-7pm)

General Requirements:
The market manager has a strong knowledge and understanding of local agriculture, food, community, and the marketing skills to promote the Wednesday Market. The manager is reliable, friendly, self- motivated and efficient.  The manager is literate in social media tools such as email list servers and facebook.  The manager must be available for phone and email contact with vendors throughout the duration of their employment. The manager must be able to work outdoors in all weather, and safely lift and carry 50 pounds. The position requires the ability to work independently as well as interdependently with vendors and other related connections.

Primary Responsibilities:
The manager enforces the rules of the market.

The manager arrives at Kendrick Park at 1:30pm in order to set up signage around downtown Amherst, reserve parking spots alongside Kendrick Park, and set up the official market/EBT stand. The manager stays until 7pm to put everything away. The manager is responsible for the transport and storing of all market related materials such as signs and the official market tent.

The manager is responsible for writing and emailing a weekly blog post/newsletter to customers and vendors, as well as providing the vendors with information about market events.

The manager is responsible for keeping an up-to-date market vendor map and accurate weekly records of the market.  These weekly records include:
Vendor attendance
Guest/part time vendor attendance and payment
Town events
Weather
SNAP/EBT totals
Music/Entertainment

The manager is responsible for safely directing “loading in” and “loading out” operations, ensures safety and cleanliness of the site before, during and at the conclusion of each market, including making sure vendor vehicles are appropriately parked and tents are secured.

The manager establishes a consistent space to set-up and operate the market manager’s tent. Operation of the market manager’s tent includes:

Displaying and distributing educational materials

Collecting consumer’s contact information

Displaying and selling any Wednesday Market merchandise

The manager possess the ability to contact all farms via phone or internet in the event special circumstances arise, as well as the ability to receive messages from vendors as to their attendance. It is the vendor’s responsibility to notify the market manager the night before if they will not be attending, and the managers responsibility to fill the spot with a guest/part time vendor from a list determined by the committee.

The manager will see to the proper running of the SNAP/EBT system

The manager will manage any volunteers/interns who may be involved with the market.

The manager picks up market mail from the market P.O. Box at the Amherst Post Office and is responsible for reading and answering emails in the market gmail account.

The manager is responsible for advertising and publicity.

The manager will coordinate market related finances, banking, taxes, and insurance.

Hours of Employment and Compensation
This is a part-time, seasonal position and requires the management of market operations from 2pm to 7pm on Wednesdays from May through October, plus any additional hours per week on non-market days and in the off season required to accomplish the goals of the market. Compensation: $200 per market week.
***Non-market hours are essential to the promotion and organization of the market, and while salary is paid per market week, total compensation over the season reflects this.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume with references to:

Danya Teitelbaum: kendrickparkmarket@gmail.com