North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship Program > Participating Mentor Farms
Josie Porter Farm is located in a unique valley located just south of the Delaware Water Gap in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Cherry Valley is widely recognized in the greater region as a unique and special place. Rich in natural resources the valley harbors a vast array of native species of special concern, and has unique and distinct landforms. It has recently received designation as a National Wildlife Refuge to help protect rare and endangered plants and animals in the valley. Situated in the heart of this valley is the former Josephine Porter Farm; a farm that has been biodynamically enriched for a century. The Josie Porter Farm is leasing this property from Stroud Township, who purchased the land through an open space initiative. Starting from scratch in 2007, the farm is now going into their 3rd season with the CSA program and will be expanding into restaurant and on-farm market sales. The farm utilizes biodynamic and organic farming methods. Our 10-year vision is to establish an agricultural education center on site. There is enormous potential for an apprentice to become a co-farmer and take on other leadership roles with the farm as we expand our operations.
Size of farm: 48 acres total (5 acres under cultivation, 24 acres pastures, 19 acres forested, wetlands, and creek)
Diversity of produce and livestock: 85-member CSA (vegetables, melons), berries to be planted in 2009 season, cut flowers, herbs, bees, 30 laying hens (to be expanded in 2009)
Skills that can be learned: See Josie Porter Farm's Skills Checklists.
Apprenticeship Details: Length of stay is negotiable. Full season is from mid-April to early November. Stipend is $175/wk with rudimentary on-farm housing. Off farm housing may be arranged at a modest cost. Food from the farm included. Compensation bonus for completing work agreement.
Mentor Farmer: Heidi Secord
Address: R.R. 1 Box 1385, Cherry Valley Rd., Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Phone: (570) 992-0899
Email: cvcsa@ptd.net Website: www.josieporterfarm.com