Unadilla Community Farm's Food Access Fellowship offers a paid season-long opportunity for beginning farmers with at least one season of farming experience under their belt to skill up and deepen their farming knowledge. Fellows will learn the day-to-day operations of a non-profit farm focused on increasing food access through partnerships with local food pantries.
Under the mentorship of Unadilla Community Farm’s Project Manager, fellows will learn how to:
- manage a food forest by applying principles of no-till organic farming, regenerative agroforestry, and permaculture design, with a focus on tending perennial fruits & herbs, cover crops, and garlic
- run the farm’s Veggie Box Program, with a focus on harvesting and delivering crops to food pantries in the region
- manage volunteer days by leading crews of volunteers from the surrounding community in tasks such as harvesting and wash & pack
Day-to-day tasks will include: seeding; transplanting; irrigation; holistic pest management; no-till cover crop management; weeding; mulching; trellising; pruning; harvesting, wash & pack; landscaping including lawn mowing and weed whacking; and no-till bed preparation.
Position details:
- Time Commitment: 22-week program from May 1-September 30, 2023. Fellows must be able to commit to the full season.
- Schedule: 25 hrs a week
- Stipend: $10,000 stipend per fellow for the season ($18/hr). Must be authorized to work in the U.S. We cannot offer work visas.
- Required Experience: Applicants must have 1 season of paid farming experience (at a homestead/production farm/nonprofit farm or other farm type), OR must have completed Unadilla Community Farm’s Permaculture Internship.
- Work Environment: Fellows should be able to carry 40 pounds and be on their feet walking, standing, moving, or squatting for up to 4 hours a day, 6 days a week. Fellows should feel comfortable with a variety of outdoor working conditions, including full sun, light rain, or light frost.
- COVID Safety: Masks are required while working because we handle food items and work with vulnerable populations.
- Room & Board: Fellows may commute to the farm, or apply to live on-site. For fellows who live on-site, room and board are provided at no charge.
Application deadline is April 10, 2023. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis from now until April 10, so apply early to secure your spot.
Learn more about the fellowship and apply here: https://unadillacommunityfarm.org/education/