GROWING NEW FARMERS INCUBATOR PROJECT

Now Accepting Applications for Apprentices for 2013

Lowcountry Local First (LLF) has established the Growing New Farmers Incubator Project (GNFIP) as a vehicle to train new farmers and food system leaders in the Lowcountry, South Carolina. By doing so we are addressing the issue of an aging farmer population and an increase in demand for local food. Through this program, apprentices will be matched with mentor farmers, participate in the Lowcountry Growers Group, have the ability to participate in a Sustainable Agriculture course, and attend the NxLevel Food and Farming Entrepreneurship Course. This is an amazing opportunity to experience first hand how food is grown and moved to market in the Lowcountry.

Spring: March 18 August 2, 2013 *Application deadline is February 1st. Fall: September 9 November 22, 2013 *Application deadline is August 1st. Full Time Apprenticeship
20+ hours a week apprentice learns/practices Sustainable Agriculture Techniques on local farms. Compensation may vary by farm but minimum wage or equivalent compensation is required. At least one workday a month working alongside other apprentices on the Learning Plot at Dirtworks Incubator Farm Attendance at 2 check-ins, 2 field trips, and 2 Dirtworks trainings required Educational classes: SpringIntro to Sustainable Agriculture; Fall NxLevel Entrepreneurship Class for Farmers and Food Producers Lowcountry Growers GroupQuarterly meetings for local, established farmers and new farmers and apprentices in the region. Learning and open discussion.

Part-Time Apprenticeship Option

4-8 hours per week on a farm. Part-time apprentice has the opportunity to learn and practice sustainable agriculture techniques.

Hands on learning and one-on-one time with a farmer for true farming

experience. o This is a volunteer position. Allows apprentice benefits listed below.

Other Benefits (both positions)

Opportunity to participate in the South Carolina New and Beginning Farmers Program http://www.clemson.edu/public/ciecd/focus_areas/agribusiness/programs/ne wfarmer/index.html Lowcountry Growers Group- Quarterly meetings for local, established famers and new farmers and apprentices in the region Farm tours throughout the area. Opportunity to participate in Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture Course Opportunity to participate in NxLevel Entrepreneurship Class for Farming/Food Production Potential participation in workshops, events, and classes outside of the program. Potential employment on one of the local farms Potential land for growing/starting a farming enterprise Connections with local chefs and food entrepreneurs Fresh veggies!

Goal: To Grow New Farmers and Food System Entrepreneurs Thanks for your interest! We look forward to hearing from you.
Please submit application and direct any questions to: kavita@lowcountrylocalfirst.org Check out our website at: www.lowcountrylocalfirst.org