Growing Growers Apprenticeships

Growing Growers in Kansas City is now accepting applications for the 2014 Farm Apprenticeship Program.  Growing Growers Apprentices work on a local farm, attend workshops and farm tours, receive books and reference materials, and are trained by their host farmer/mentor. It’s a great combination of hands-on experience and classroom training.

Many Growing Growers apprentices have gone on to start their own farms and/or local food-related businesses.

Host farms are available in Leavenworth, Wyandotte and Douglas counties in Kansas and Clay, Jackson, St. Clair and Lafayette counties in Missouri.  Apprenticeships may be paid or volunteer positions.  Apprentices must be able to travel to workshops and farm tours monthly and commit to a full season of fieldwork on their host farm.

 Cost to participate is $500.00, which includes farm tours, free registration to 14 GG workshops, a selection of texts and resources, and a minimum of 8 hours dedicated “sit down” training with your host farmer that go beyond on-the-job training.  This apprenticeship training covers topics such as, how your host farm manages soil quality, their yearly production schedule, how they manage their business, and much more.  Limited scholarship funds are available.

Check out the Growing Growers website or call (816) 805-0362.

Deadline to apply for a 2014 Growing Growers Apprenticeship is March 1st, but earlier application is strongly recommended!