So You Want to be a Farmer

EarthDance is now accepting applications for its 2010 Organic Farming Apprenticeship program. Please help us spread the word!

In 2009 EarthDance inaugurated the part-time training program for 12 beginner farmers, and we're excited to announce that we'll be expanding the program for the 2010 growing season with 25 apprentices and almost double the acreage - to grow more local, organic food AND farmers for the St. Louis region. We've also hired experienced organic grower Vicki Lander to serve as the EarthDance farm manager!

The foundation of the program will remain the same:
1. Field work on the historic Mueller Farm in Ferguson
2. Selling produce at area farmers markets
3. Enrichment sessions / workshops on various farming topics in-depth (from farm-scale composting to planning a farm business)
4. Field trips to local farms

An additional benefit for 2010 apprentices is that they'll become the initial members/shareholders of our pilot CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program - receiving a hearty share of the produce we grow together each week of the harvest season.

Several of our 2009 'Freshman Farmies' will become 'Sophomore Farmies' in the program, building upon the knowledge they gained this year on the farm! (Others are going on to grow on their own, or with farming partners.)

At this year's Pesto Festo we were fortunate to raise enough scholarship funds to offer 3 scholarships to low-income individuals who could not otherwise afford to do the program. We are seeking individuals reliant on food stamps and/or food pantries to apply for the scholarships.

Slow Food St. Louis will also be sponsoring a scholarship. Attend one of our info sessions to hear more.

Tuition is $500, and includes your share of the harvest. (Does not include fuel/expenses related to attending field trips.)

Applications can be found on our website, and are due December 15th, 2009. www.earthdancefarms.org

Interested individuals are encouraged to attend one of information sessions to learn more:

So You Want to be a Farmer?

Tuesday, December 8th, at the Ferguson library (auditorium), 7pm
35 N. Florissant Rd, 63135

or Wednesday, December 9th, at Schlafly Bottleworks (Crown Room), 7pm
7260 Southwest Ave, 63143

Also, check out our slideshow of this year's program on our YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/earthdancefarms




--
Molly Rockamann
Farmer & Founding Director, EarthDance
www.earthdancefarms.org

office 314.521.1006
cell 314.348.6999
earthdancefarms@gmail.com