Each year, the Ignatius Farm CSA seeks individuals who are interested in participating in our CSA internship program. This internship is part of our Community Shared Agriculture project, a 19 acre organic vegetable operation that supplies produce to approximately 275 participating members. This hands–on internship is complemented by a structured learning program, participation in the CRAFT Ontario program, and involvement with the CSA community.

We seek individuals who have a keen desire to learn about growing food organically, who are interested in building friendships and community, who are enthusiastic, curious, and open to new ideas. Successful applicants should anticipate working hard within a cooperative team environment that is dedicated to furthering the vision and philosophy of community shared agriculture.

Internship Details

Interns are a key element of the CSA and can expect to contribute and learn skills in greenhouse management, field production methods, harvesting, distribution, planning, and working together with the shareholders. Applicants need to be fit, have good stamina, be flexible, and be team players.

We are committed to making our internships an educational experience as well as a working one. Through monthly workshops, active participation in the CRAFT program (see side–panel), mentored field walks, intern field responsibilities and skill evaluation, we aim to increase interns understanding of sustainable growing.

The internship positions include a modest stipend, shared housing as desired, and vegetables in season.

2010 Internship Positions

In 2010, we are offering 2 senior internships, 3 full-season internships, and 2 short-term internships. Both full-season and short-term internships are open to those new to organic farming. The senior internships are open to those with some organic farming background, as well as organizational and leadership skills. The application deadline is February 8, 2010.

The timelines of our internships are:

Senior Interns ~ April 1 to November 26, 2010

Full-Season Interns ~ April 26 to November 12, 2010

Short-Term interns ~ April 26 to August 27, 2010

The senior interns will work with the CSA Farmers, staff, and volunteers to facilitate all aspects of the CSA. In addition to regular fieldwork, they will take on specific field responsibilities, assist in field and market coordination, and assist in educational programming for the interns, CSA members, and the public. One senior intern will also serve as the first contact for all field volunteers.

Full-season and short-term interns will work in the fields with the CSA farmers and senior interns, and take on specific field and project responsibilities within the CSA, either as individuals or as small working groups. These responsibilities will be based in part on the intern’s individual learning objectives. We expect hard work, commitment to the vision of the CSA, and the ability and desire to work as part of a larger team.

How To Apply

Please read our  Intern Information Package and submit the following information to the address provided below:

• Complete contact information.
• Current resumé.
• Position of interest: education, full-season or short-term internship.
• References and related contact information.
• A cover letter outlining your interests in organic agriculture.

Application deadline is February 8, 2010.

Jaye Crawford
Ignatius Farm CSA
5420 Hwy 6 North
RR 5
Guelph, ON
N1H 6J2
Email: CSA Intern Program
Tel: 519-824-1250 ext. 275