⬩ Regional Food and Farming Apprenticeship Program ⬩

Each year, from April to October, we hire an aspiring farmer to spend the growing season with us to learn the ins and outs of farming sustainably on a small scale.

This Regional Food and Farming Apprenticeship Program, now in its third season, is part of Stonewood Farm’s larger mission to provide novice growers with access to land and learning opportunities, thereby supporting the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.

Given the small scale of our market garden operation, our apprentices work directly with our Farm Managers to experience firsthand the realities of farming in the Hudson Valley. The Program includes both practical training in the field as well as “classroom” education covering such essential topics as tractor maintenance and repair and certified-organic record keeping.

In addition to developing their skills in the technical aspects of farming – cultivating, harvesting, pest and weed management, chicken care, soil health and composting – our apprentices learn approaches to business planning, financial management, and marketing that make small farms like ours economically sustainable.

What makes our program particularly unique and comprehensive is that our apprentices also have an opportunity to work directly with our Culinary Director.

Depending on their particular interests, apprentices may explore the culinary aspects of our organization, including preparation for and hosting farm-to-table dinners and cooking classes, working with chefs and other wholesale customers, and working in the community to advance our food justice-driven mission.

Under the tutelage of our established professional team, it is gratifying to know that, upon completion of the season, our apprentices have had an outstanding educational experience to support a path into the world of farming and food.