Our Farmer Training Programs Are Evolving!
Since 2009, over 100 aspiring biodynamic farmers have participated in our North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship Program (NABDAP), learning side-by-side with exemplary biodynamic mentor farmers across the continent. We have celebrated the graduation of 37 new biodynamic farmers, and 12 more are on track to graduate this year. Just as each farm individuality needs to grow and evolve over time, so does our work to train the next generation of farmers.
Building on the strengths and accomplishments of NABDAP, we are delighted to introduce two new intensive one-year programs that will provide more flexibility, as well as a solid and broad foundation in all of the essentials of biodynamic farming for everyone who participates. Individuals will have the option to participate in just the first year, or both.
For both programs, we are inviting established farmers interested in learning more about biodynamics to participate as well continuing to offer apprenticeship opportunities on exemplary mentor farms.
The Biodynamic Farmer Foundation Year offers aspiring biodynamic farmers the opportunity to build a solid foundation in the principles and practices of biodynamic agriculture. Individual support from an experienced mentor farmer and a cohesive, integrated, and interactive learning curriculum bring biodynamics to life.
The Biodynamic Farmer Development Year, which will begin in 2019, will develop and deepen the skills needed for biodynamic farm management for those who graduate from the foundation year. This program will allow for more scope and specialization in specific farm management and production areas.
Applications for the Biodynamic Farmer Foundation Year will open at the end of November. Contact Anthony at anthony@biodynamics.com (link sends e-mail) or by phone at 262.649.9212 x14 with any questions or to be notified when applications open.
The NABDAP pages will remain in place for those interested in seeing the strong foundations we are building our new programs on. The graduate profiles are especially inspiring! You can find all the details on our new Farmer Training programs at our new Biodynamic Farmer Training page.
These are Mentor Farms from NABDAP, which is retired. We will have mentor farm pages up for our Biodynamic Farmer Foundation Year very soon!
North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship Program > Participating Mentor Farms
Spirit of the Earth Farm (Uhane Aina) is a 16.5 Acre bio- diverse farm managed according to the principles of Biodynamic Agriculture, on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. The farm includes a tropical orchard and several vegetable gardens, as well as livestock and chickens. We are committed to providing quality food to the local community, restoring and maintaining the land sustainably, and educating career farmers. We sell to local retailers and restaurants, at farmer’s markets, and to CSA customers. The farm is owned and operated by Marie Mauger.
Size of farm: 16 acres total, including living spaces, pasture, and orchard
Diversity of Livestock and Produce: We grow a variety of vegetables and have an extremely diverse. The pasture area is home to a cow (soon to be two!). We also have two small chicken flocks and one beehive.
Skills that can be learned: See Spirit of the Earth Farm checklists.
Apprenticeship Details: The farm welcomes apprentices for minimum 6-month commitments. Apprentices work 40 hours per week. Compensation includes a campsite, produce from the garden and $50/week after the first month, $75/week after the second month, and $100 /week after the third month.
Work schedule:Work times are M-F beginning at 8, flexible on weekends. Participation in harvests Monday and Wednesday morning and Friday afternoon, apprentice training sessions Tuesdays and Fridays at 1 pm, and weekly study group Tuesday 4 pm are mandatory. 40 hours total per week. .
Mentor Farmer: Marie Mauger
Address: PO Box 416, Anahola, HI, 96703
Street Address: 6180 Koolau Road, Anahola, HI
Phone: (808) 822-7899
Email: Send an email (link sends email)
Website: www.spiritoftheearthfarm.org