Off-Grid Organic Farm Internships in Virginia

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Organic Farm Internships in Virginia at Living Energy Farm – 2017

Living Energy Farm is an intentional community, organic farm, and environmental education center in Louisa, Virginia that is off the grid and uses no fossil fuels. Our mission is to show that, through cooperation and community, a comfortable and fulfilling life is possible without dependence on the corporate energy grid and industrial food system. We are seeking farm interns for the 2017 growing season, which lasts from May to October. We cultivate about 4 acres of mixed vegetables and grains. Our farm grows food for the community, as well as seeds and produce which we sell wholesale. Our customers are seed companies including Southern Exposure Seed Exchange and Fedco Seeds, and small grocers in Louisa and Richmond.

Interns pitch in 35-40 hours of work per week on the farm and as needed throughout the community. The internship is not very structured, we don’t count hours, we get together each morning over breakfast and decide on the work to be done that day. The work is mostly planting, irrigation and cultivation in May and June, and harvesting and processing July through October. In addition to learning about organic farming and seed saving, interns have the opportunity to learn about renewable energy systems, food processing and preservation, orchard maintenance, construction and basic woodworking. Internships are usually generalized, with interns working on a little of everything; but they may be more focused if an intern would like to learn a particular skill.

We share cooking and cleaning duties, and all meals are eaten together as a community. We provide housing in a private room or shared cabin, depending on availability. We also provide a stipend of $80 per month. Higher stipends may be negotiated for interns who can commit to a full season. No farm experience is necessary to apply. What is necessary is a sense of adventure, willingness to work hard, love for community and enthusiasm for living without fossil fuels.

To apply for the Organic Farm Internships in Virginia, contact Debbie at livingenergyfarm@gmail.com or call or text 540 205 9815. We do not have e-mail access on the farm and e-mails are checked once a week, so call if you would like a faster response. If you are considering a season long internship, we suggest you come out to the farm and visit for a day before making a commitment. If this is not possible, we can do a phone interview.