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Blue Ridge Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) cultivates meaningful mentor relationships between aspiring and experienced farmers.
We believe that the educational and professional development of tomorrow’s growers and producers informs the health of our diverse local-food system and rural economy.
Based upon CRAFT models like Organic Growers School's WNC CRAFT and similar apprenticeship networks, Blue Ridge CRAFT connects aspiring farmers with experienced farmers and encourages innovative on-farm educational and professional experiences. Providing tools to established farmers that will enhance their mentorship abilities is central to Blue Ridge CRAFT's efforts. CRAFT first emerged in New York's Hudson Valley in 1994 as "a cooperative effort of local organic and biodynamic farms organized to enhance educational opportunities for farm apprentices." And, it has since spread to many other communities. Each organization is unique, but dedicated to the advancement of tomorrow's growers. To learn more about other CRAFT organizations, click here. In the fall of 2014, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture was approached by established farmers seeking a way to provide structured education and training to their on-farm apprentices. Through further input from the community, Blue Ridge CRAFT was formed with the goals of:
As we work together to form a more resilient and just food system and local economy, Blue Ridge CRAFT believes that is imperative that we encourage candid, meaningful conversations, form durable and inclusive partnerships, engage best practices, and excite innovation and creativity. |
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Location: Zionville and Creston, NC Website: www.shady-grove-gardens.com/ Produced on Farm: Cut flowers, seedlings, perennials, and a few vegetables. Markets: Farm direct, the Food Hub and our flower CSA. Other Information: The farm is 25 miles from Boone. Some car pooling is possible, but not always. We are and established farm with 3 high tunnels and 5 acres under cultivation. Transportation a must, non-smokers. Keywords: Cut flowers, CSA, wedding flowers, farmer florist, flower farm, sustainable, wildlife management. Position: A full season of work. Occasional weekend work, physical labor, eager to learn. Internship, Part-time Employment, Full-time Employment. For a full-time position we require a full season of commitment from the employee. The main farm is 25 miles from Boone, car pooling is sometimes an option but you must have a car. The nursery is in Zionville. Variable tasks, farm work, planting through harvest, maybe some market sales or wedding work. We also have a large seed starting operation to supply the farm with seedlings. Mulching and mowing also possible. Will also be looking for an unpaid intern to help with weddings( Friday-Saturday). Time Commitment: We work year around, paid positions are generally mid March through November. Intern commitment 2 months. Employees April through October. Priority give to persons available in April-May for spring planting. Compensation: Paid positions are $10/hr. This posting closes on: Contact: sggarden@skybest.com or 828-297-4098. The best time to contact this farm is any time by email or phone. |
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Location: Crumpler, NC Website: https://www.cabinsathealingsprings.com/farm.html Produced on Farm: We raise grass fed Belted Galloway cattle, pastured pigs and pastured chickens. In addition to the farm portion, I have several renovated historic cabins that we rent out on nightly basis to guests. The main draw on our property is the "Healing" Spring. Discovered in 1883, the water from the spring is recorded to have a cured a wide variety of ailments. I make artisan soap from the water. I also make a selection of jam & jellies for re-sale. Markets: Ashe County Farmers Market, High Country Food Hub, Healing Springs Farm Store. Other Information: The farm is in Crumpler (Ashe County) which is about 15 minutes from Jefferson / West Jefferson and about 40 to 45 minutes from Boone. It is helpful if you have your own transportation. No drugs. Okay with responsible drinking. Smoking outdoors only. No drama, we get plenty of that from our cows! Keywords about this farm: Grass fed beef, pastured pork, pastured chickens, handmade soaps, historic cabins for rent Intern Responsibilities: The prospective intern needs to understand that farm work is repetitive and physical. I am seeking an intern who can work with all aspects of our farm production. For the cattle, pigs and chickens - this would include: feeding, rotationally grazing, watering, irrigating fields, pasture management, fence building, fence maintenance along with other livestock/ pasture tasks as needed. The intern may be asked to assist with the production of jams & jellies and artisan soaps during times of peak production. The intern will help with general grounds maintenance and support with projects in various areas as needed. If you are interested in construction, we always have construction projects going – so this is an opportunity to learn and grow your skills. We have plenty of rooms, and welcome interns who may want to work on their own projects during their days off (build, grow, raise whatever their interest is). Preferred Experience: No experience necessary, but a good attitude and a willingness to learn. Intern candidates must have a good work ethic, be a self-starter who is interested in learning more about local farming and agri-tourism. The intern should be able to perform manual labor in varied climactic conditions. Knowledge of basic power tools and the ability to drive a tractor is a plus. A valid driver's license is a plus, along with your own transportation. Time Commitment: 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 days a week. Prefer folks who can stay the season April to October, but are willing to discuss shorter stays. Compensation: We offer a private furnished room with WiFi, shared bathroom, kitchen, laundry room. 15 hours per week are in exchange for lodging. We pay an hourly rate for anything over the 15 hours per week. This posting closes on: Open until filled. Website: www.cabinsathealingsprings.com Contact: anne_pression@hotmail.com Best Time to Contact: Anytime |
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Location: Lenoir, NC Website: www.newlifefarmnc.com/ Produced on Farm: A wide variety of produce as well as pasture raised livestock, including pigs, and turkeys. Markets: High Country Food Hub, and through a wide variety of local independent establishments in the High Country. Keywords about this farm: Pastured Livestock. Year Rounds Vegetable Production. Sustainable Intern Responsibilities: We value individuals who have a positive attitude, good comprehension skills, and the ability to self motivate themselves to see tasks to completion, in spite of rigor and monotony. When and if issues arise, we value individuals who are able and willing to resolve issues in a respectful manner. Employees/Apprentices at New Life Farm should posses a degree of physical fitness and endurance. Being able to work outside in a variety of elements is important. Employees must provide their own means of transportation, as well as posses a valid Driver’s License. At New Life Farm, we try to operate as a cohesive team that communicates and executes in an efficient manner all and any tasks we are faced with on a day to day basis. As employees gain experience and a better understanding of each task related to work on the farm, we expect individuals to take initiative and exercise situational awareness as they are engaging in a variety of day to day activities. We expect honesty, open communication, work ethic, attention to detail, mutual respect, and being on time for work. Employees have the opportunity to be involved in every aspect of our farm, from planting, managing, harvesting, and marketing fresh, local, naturally grown produce. Time Commitment: Farm Employment begins as early as the end of March 1st, and continues through the first week of December. We are looking to fill both full time (40 hours/wk) and part time (20 hours/wk) positions depending on applicants availability. If you are curious of how you could possibly fit into our operation, we are open to working around anyone’s unique schedule. Compensation: We pay $9-10/hr, plus food products from our farm. This position is best for people who already reside in the Boone area. There is a campground 5 minutes from our farm. The campground rental rate is $80/ month, and has utilities to make temporary residency comfortable. We intentionally try to hire employees who are geared up to farm themselves one day, or continue on in a "carrier" within sustainable agriculture. Just as important as fair financial compensation, we strive to provide apprentices with a professional experience on our farm. Several past employees are available for references upon applicants request. This posting closes on: July 1st, 2021 Contact: Cory Bryk at newlifefarm.nc@gmail.com Best Time to Contact: Anytime |
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Location: Creston, NC Website: http://www.creeksongfarm.com/ Produced on Farm: Vegetables, Cut Sunflowers, Eggs, Pastured Pork, Grass Fed Beef, Hay, Timber, and Firewood. Markets: We market our products through our seventy member CSA, which is in its tenth year, at the Watauga County Farmers' Market, to New Appalachia, and to restaurants in the Boone area. Other information: We are a second generation family farm with three members of the family operating the farm full time. We have been operating without chemical inputs since 1979! We make our living off of the farm and have a business approach to the summer season. We have fun on the farm but production is the number one goal and the same seriousness is expected from any employee. If you want to come learn how farming is done come spend the summer with us. Keywords about this opportunity: Sustainable, CSA, Farmers' Market, Family Farm, Vegetables, Livestock. Employee Responsibilities: We expect employees to come to work at a set schedule and begin work promptly. The bulk of tasks will be weeding, planting, and fertilizing but will sometimes include harvesting and washing for market and our CSA. A willingness to learn the most efficient way to complete the work is a must. If an employee has an interest in other aspects of our farm (such as livestock, wood production, or hay making) they can help as need to gain experience in those areas. We often expect an employee to complete a task alone so an ability to learn how to complete a task correctly after a few times is essential. Good awareness of what the completed task should look like is very important to the work. Preferred Experience: A basic knowledge of gardening is necessary but formal experience is not required. Most important to us is someone who will come to work on time and work hard while here. We are a production oriented farm and need employees to understand that the season is short and we try to pack as much production into it as possible. All tasks are very physical and virtually all work is done outside, sometimes in less than favorable conditions. Prospective employees need to understand this before applying. Time Commitment: The job could start in early or mid May and go until the middle or end of August. We would like someone to work 30-35 hours per week. This work could be spread between three to five days. If an employee has an interest in learning about selling at a farmers' market then we would pay for work on Saturday mornings from 6:30-11:30 AM. Compensation: We pay $8.00 per hour (compare to a stipend of $1,120 a month at 35 hours a week). We also have a sit down lunch on the farm everyday, usually cooked from our products, that an employee is welcome to join in on. Also, all the excess produce you can eat (within reason). This posting closes on: This posting closes when filled. Contact: creeksongfarm@gmail.com or 336-977-7206 Best Time to Contact: Email anytime or call during the day |
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Location: Vilas, NC Website: www.springhousefarm.net Produced on Farm: Vegetables, Flowers, Fruit Markets: Watauga County Farmers Market, EarthFare, Workplace Vegetable & Flower CSA (Watauga Medical Center), High Country Food Hub, Restaurants (Artisanal, Melanies, Beacon, Reid's), Local Florists, On-farm produce stand Responsibilities: Springhouse Farm is a female-owned small farm entering its 13th year of production. We grow vegetables and flowers using sustainable methods. We have lots of different markets, and are excited to be adding 2 new ones in 2021: a flower cart in downtown Boone and a Pick-Your-Own flower venue for garden clubs, brides, artists and community members. We are looking for a few dedicated interns who will will be involved in all aspects of our farm...planting, harvesting, weeding, marketing, pest/disease control...and are invited to join us on our exciting new business ventures! Our intention is to show by example how to run a successful small farm business and create an atmosphere of well-being. More information about the Internship, plus applications, can be found on our website www.springhousefarm.net Time Commitment: We are willing to be flexible with an intern's schedule to a reasonable extent. Our full time interns will work approximately 40 hours/week and our part time interns will work approximately 20 hours/week. We are looking for help April - October. Compensation: Full time interns will receive a monthly stipend of $750/month & fresh vegetables. Part time interns will receive a monthly stipend of $375/month & fresh vegetables. This posting closes on: By April 1st or when filled. Keywords about this farm: Workplace CSA, Farmers Market, Farm to Table, You-Pick, Cut Flowers, Organically-Raised Vegetables, Other Information: In the best interest of our interns and ourselves, we will have a 1 week trial period working on the farm to make sure we are a good fit for each other. We will also offer a farm tour for all new interns (led by our returning 2020 interns) to show you how we do things! www.springhousefarm.net/internship.html If you have previous experience farming, you are encouraged to apply. Contact: Amy Fiedler, springhousefarmnc@gmail.com or (828) 719-6825 Best Time to Contact: M-F 9am-6pm |
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Location: Mountain City, TN Website: facebook.com/harbinhilfarms Produced on Farm: Harbin Hill Farms is modeled on the Elliot Coleman/JM Fortier approach to four-season, intensive, organic market farming. Our main focus currently is on organic fruits and vegetables (including three hoop houses, a raised bed garden in the orchard, and a 1/2 acre of row crops), and an apiary, currently with 7 hives. We also have a small layer chicken operation (currently 20 hens), and next spring will begin a pilot operation on industrial hemp. We sell through a combination of farmers markets, restaurants and a CSA. This is our third year of full time operation, and our intention is to develop a demonstration farm that incorporates appropriate technologies and organic practices to create an environmentally sustainable and financially profitable farm. We offer intensive insights into the nature of a start-up operation, which has succeeded in doubling both production and sales each year. Markets: Farmers Markets, Restaurants, a CSA and various retail outlets. Keywords about this farm: organic, intensive market farming, four-season, direct to customers Intern Responsibilities: We are looking for interns who really want to learn, are enthusiastic about playing in the dirt, have a good sense of humor, and enjoy the company of like-minded people. We have 42 acres or relatively flat land, including 26 acres of woods (with hiking trails), a barn, chicken coop, and goat shed, so there is considerable development potential, including various farm critters, mushrooms, medicinal herbs, vermiculture, value-added fruit and vegetable products, agri-tourism, etc.. Interns will be encouraged, but not required, to research, design and implement at least a pilot phase of their own project, from which they can keep any profits over the coming season. We are serious about farming, but not about ourselves. A good sense of humor is essential! Preferred Experience: Interns should be aware that farm work is outdoors and involves hard, sometimes quite repetitive, physical labor under a full range of weather conditions. Previous agricultural experience is desirable but not essential. A strong desire to have their own intensive market farming operation in the future is preferred. Time Commitment: We have three internship models, two involving a full-time schedule and one part-time. The season begins March 15 and ends November 15, but interns do not need to commit for the entire season. Our full-time schedule can be either live-in or live out. The full-time interns work 7:30 am – 3 pm weekdays, and assist with the farmers' market on Saturdays (from 7 am to noon). The hours for part-time interns can be more flexible, and are open for discussion. Our main season begins in April, and goes through October. During that period, we can be reasonably flexible with the time commitment, especially while school is in session. Our primary internship model is based on a 30 hour week - six hours a day, five days a week -- similar to the WWOOFer program. Compensation: We can provide meals for all interns during their shifts (breakfast, lunch and dinner), and - for a limited number of interns - full room and board. Other than the psychic income of working in the fresh air with highly compatible and like-minded individuals, however we do not provide a financial stipend. Other Information: Dinner and overnight accommodations are available for interns who will be participating in the Saturday morning farmers' markets. This posting closes on: This posting does not close. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the season. Contact: racalkins@msn.com or 703-901-5981 Best Time to Contact: Phone or text between 8 am - 8 pm. Call me and we'll schedule an interview and farm tour |
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Location: Deep Gap, NC Website: www.fullmoonfarmnc.com/ | Instagram: @fullmoonfarmnc Produced on Farm: We grow a variety of vegetables using no-till methods, organic methods, and a team approach. All of our produce is Certified Naturally Grown. Markets: We primarily sell produce through the High Country Food Hub, our farm stand, and wholesale restaurant accounts in the Boone and Blowing Rock area. Keywords about this farm: Market garden, chemical-free, intentional living, non-gmo food, biodiverse land management, draft horse powered, sustainable agriculture, no-till cultivation Internship Responsibilities: All Full Moon Farm members are expected to work as allies with the BIPOC community and LGBTQ community and we welcome all people to the farm as a safe space to engage in nature and agriculture. Interns are expected to be determined, creative and communicative. We share all farm tasks with interns and will always be in the field working alongside you to ensure you are learning and enjoying the work. Work responsibilities include: starting seeds, monitoring plant health, crop cultivation, irrigation, harvesting and processing for sale, break down of field materials after crops finish, and much much more. This is a physically and mentally demanding position, however, we are flexible with everyone's needs and prioritize self care while working. Preferred Experience: Applicants can hold any experience they see as applicable to keep their motivation high, optimism flowing, self-care substantial and physical abilities adaptable to farming. We seek volunteers who want to learn to grow food and better know themselves in the process. Communication is key and each person is welcomed with their unique communication style. As we work with horses, volunteers must be willing to be near these animals and handling them if able. Time Commitment: Interns can apply for 1-2 days a week, 8 hours each day, February through November. We highly encourage interns to apply for the whole season to learn the full life cycle of a produce farm from spring through fall. Compensation: Internships are unpaid positions. We will send you home with $20+ of produce from the farm every week. Building a tight relationship with our interns is important to our farm team. This is great chance to build a resume with a working farm for your future endeavors and we are happy to be a reference for all our interns as the expand their careers. This posting closes on: Open/Rolling basis www.fullmoonfarmnc.com/internships.html Contact: fullmoonfarmer@gmail.com or (828) 964-3644 Kara Dodson. Best Time to Contact: M-F 10-5 |
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Location: Boone, NC Website: www.hosphouse.org/garden Produced on Farm: The Hospitality House Gardens grow a wide variety of vegetable, herbs and eggs for our food pantry and the Hospitality House Bread of Life Kitchen. We have 9 handicapped accessible beds and a passive solar greenhouse in an enclosed courtyard; 14 raised beds in the lower garden with two hoop houses. We use organic/biodynamic and season extension methods, crop rotation, cover crops, and grow seedlings. Markets: Produce goes to the Bread of Life kitchen, food boxes and donation based sales that support many diverse garden projects.We ascribe to the philosophy of "food for all regardless of means." The Hospitality House Garden Stand is set up at our Community Events and our Summer Food Series. It offers surplus produce and eggs through a donation based system to local folk, staff and residents. Keywords about this farm: The Gardens at Hospitality House provide organically raised eggs, vegetables, fruits and herbs for the Bread of Life Community Kitchen and the Food Box Program. Residents and Volunteers maintain the gardens throughout the summer. The garden supports our commitment to the sustainability of life, community and environment. Intern Responsibilities: We work to rebuild lives and strengthen community by providing a safe, nurturing, healthy environment in which individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty-related crises are equipped to become self-sufficient and productive. We need interns who can commit to a consistent schedule, can work on their own, and work with residents and oversee volunteer groups. Work with residents and clients require understanding and agreeing to Hospitality House confidentiality policies. There are opportunities to provide education programs for our individuals, families and children. Record keeping, reporting, marketing and promotion, social media and helping manage the Garden Stand are non-garden work tasks that we need assistance with. Preferred Experience: An understanding of and passion for sustainable organic agriculture and serving vulnerable families and individuals. Some Garden or Farm experience. Interest in organic methods, biodynamics and permaculture. Ability to work with diverse groups. Ability to work independently and be a good team player Time Commitment: This is a flexible position with hours to be determined after completing the application form and process found here. Compensation: This is a volunteer position. Interns are welcome to have meals at the Hospitality House Bread of Life Kitchen, participate in the donation based Garden Stand and may be able to take home produce or a food box as needed. This posting closes on: This is an open posting for the 2021 season Contact: gardens@hosphouse.org Best Time to Contact: Anytime |
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Location: Millers Creek, NC Website: www.tumblingshoalsfarm.com Produced on Farm: A diverse array of certified organic fruits and vegetables. Markets: Watauga County Farmers Market in Boone, Downtown Hickory Farmers Market, CSA, restaurants, New Appalachia distributor, Charlotte Regional Farmers Market. Keywords about this farm: Certified organic, professional, fun, team, beer-Friday, pickleball, beautiful, valley, Appalachia. Farm Employee Responsibilities: Farm employees will do everything from seeding in the greenhouse, to transplanting, to cultivation and trellising, to mulching, to mowing, to harvesting and washing and packing to selling at farmers' market. Employees will also participate in some planning and management and will be able to run the farm effectively as a team by September when they return from their paid vacations. Preferred Experience: There are no special requirements to work on Tumbling Shoals Farm. The absolute most important aspect of an employee here is being a good team player. Farming is a physically demanding career in the elements, so some experience with a job outside of any sort, especially in southern climates, is a bonus and will be favored. Of course, physical fitness is important. We are not often lifting heavy things, but we keep moving all day long so physical endurance helps us enjoy the work.We recommend that you have your own transportation, as the farm can feel pretty isolated at times, but this is not required. We hope you have an open mind, a quick smile, and a good sense of humor as those things make teamwork more enjoyable. Also, some retail experience is helpful if you are interested in going to farmers' market. Time Commitment: Full-time employment. 40 hours/week beginning March 18th. End dates are more flexible, but guaranteed through September and a couple of people through November. Compensation: $10.00/hour starting wage (roughly $1440/month if you’re comparing it to a stipend). Lodging is included including electricity in private cabins, electricity, propane, and water in shared kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities. Employees can harvest and eat anything from the farm at any time, though we encourage them to consider peak harvest windows for any kind of canning or freezing activities. http://www.tumblingshoalsfarm.com/working-at-tumbling-shoals-farm Contact: farmer@tumblingshoalsfarm.com or (336)-452-2920 Best Time to Contact: Anytime, until March, then email is best. |
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Location: Mountain City, TN Website: www.facebook.com/Browns-Farm-681802768690383/ Produced on Farm: Pumpkins, watermelons, winter squash, and sweet potatoes. We also raise percentage Kiko meat goats and heritage-breed chickens Keywords about this farm: Certified Naturally Grown vegetables, Pastured livestock & chickens, Pasture management, Organic practices Intern Responsibilities: Dependable. Help plant, maintain garden, harvesting, maintain animals, some land clearing, maintain barn & chicken house. Will include other manual labor responsibilities. Preferred Experience: Good work ethic and ability to do manual labor. Commitment: There are opportunities year-round. Hours can be worked out per person based on abilities and availability, but frequently occur early in the morning with an afternoon break and finish work in the late afternoon. We begin with an orientation day as soon as availability of the intern and continues dependent on availability and class schedules. Compensation: We offer an unpaid educational internship experience as well as gas money, a share of crop, and some meals with the potential of paid-stipend for dependable helpers. This posting closes on: This posting closes when filled. Contact: debbie.brownsfarm@gmail.com Best Time to Contact: Anytime |
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