Start Date: May-June, flexible Location: Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, or Iowa Program Length: 10 weeks
Program Fee: $0 Room & Board: Depends on host farm Compensation: Mentors are highly encouraged to pay apprentices $10/hour, however it may vary among host farms.
In summer 2019, the Savanna Institute is launching the first season of our Agroforestry Farmer Apprenticeship Program! Each apprentice will spend 10 weeks on the farm of a mentor agroforestry farmer, with part- to full-time employment throughout the period. On the farm, apprentices will learn about perennial crop establishment, management, and harvest; farm planning and decision-making; equipment maintenance; product marketing; farm/tree finance, and more!
In addition to the on-farm training, apprentices will have access to:
Farm visits throughout the Midwest via whole-cohort training days at each host farm, including instruction and hands-on experience in a broad range of agroforestry practices.
Online course work on agroforestry curated by Savanna Institute staff.
A network of agroforestry farmers for peer learning and professional development.
Free attendance at the Savanna Institute’s 2019 Perennial Farm Gathering.
This program was born out of the call to provide crucial training for the next generation of agroforestry farmers as well as recognition of the barriers farmers of color, women, and limited-wealth farmers have in accessing these resources and expertise in particular. All are welcome, but we highly encourage self-identifying people of color, women, and limited wealth farmers to apply!
Limited spots exist for the 2019 season, so rolling admission may occur - apply early!
Contact Jess Robinson, Education Program Manager, with any questions regarding the application process or the program (jess@savannainstitute.org).
