Information for Prospective Apprentices
MOFGA’s Apprenticeship Program is targeted for young adults, with or without previous farming experience, but all are welcome to apply. Apprenticeships may begin any time during the year, and last for any duration, but most farmers are looking for apprentices who will commit for the entire growing season (early March through late October). The usual apprenticeship is an immersive practicum involving labor in return for room and board, instruction, financial compensation and experience.
If you’re interested in becoming a farm apprentice, follow these steps:
- Peruse the profiles of the farms participating in the program
- Review the Apprenticeship Program Values
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Please complete the application as thoroughly and thoughtfully as you can.
Choose up to 12 farms that interest you. The website will then send your application to these farms.
When we receive your application, we will forward it to the farms in which you have indicated interest, and we will send you the contact information for those farms. It is then up to you and the farmers to contact each other.
Once you’ve found a farm to work on, you should contact MOFGA to let us know, so we can offer support during your apprenticeship.
Farm work can be extremely rewarding, but it also can be tedious, exhausting and frustrating. Communal or shared living situations can be challenging. The more farmers and apprentices are able to learn about each other before making a commitment, the better. We very strongly recommend that you visit a farm and interview the farmer(s) before taking an apprenticeship position.
More resources
Choosing a Farm and a Mentor: Tips for Prospective Apprentices
Meeting Prospective Mentors: A Checklist for Apprentices
Please note that applicants may choose to have their applications forwarded to up to 12 farms. As the growing season approaches we try to get every farm and every applicant matched up with good situations. If you have not listed 12 farms on your application, we reserve the right to send your application to additional farms who are still seeking apprentices.
Important Notes:
- MOFGA's expertise is limited and it cannot offer legal advice. The website is provided for information only and may not reflect current legal developments. Nothing on the MOFGA website should be construed as legal advice or replace consultation with an attorney concerning your own situation.
- Farms participating in the MOFGA Apprenticeship program are not vetted by MOFGA, and a listing on MOFGA's web site does not imply an endorsement. While we try to provide information and tools to both apprentices and mentor farmers to ensure the best possible experience, we do not have the resources or expertise to police Apprentice-Mentor relationships, or to act as arbiters in apprentice-mentor disputes. Participants are expected to do their own due diligence and not enter into any situation, either living or working, without serious consideration.
- MOFGA does not have the capacity to aid in the work visa process for international apprentices and is not responsible for any expenses accrued in traveling to the host farm. Assistance may vary for each host farm.