Working as an apprentice organic farmer, what would be an expected income in the first year?

Asked by evander (465

) February 3rd, 2008

I have a fair amount of experience gardening and live in North Carolina near a large number of family-run organic farms. I would hope for an apprenticeship that would last the whole—or a large portion of—the next growing season, with the intention of learning the practices to go independent. I would imagine an apprenticeship rich with skills, but learned via a solid week of hard work. I’m not just out of college, and am assessing the financial viability of the plan. Thought I’d ask fluther first before asking around here.

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5 Answers

A monthly income/stipend might be easiest way to express the answer. Any info from other types of apprenticeships, and guesses, would be welcome.

evander (465

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I remember reading up on farming apprenticeships in Marin County a while back, and most of them don’t pay anything but provide you with free room and board.

jz1220 (829

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I had a nephew do this at a farm in upstate CT. I believe they gave him a stipend of 500 a month. ( No salary, no room and board)

pattyb (794

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My friend gets $300 and free room and board

emilyrose (2277

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In 2000, I got $80 to $100/week plus room and board and food off the farm from a place in Vermont. Some farms here in Oregon are now paying minimum wage and give you workman’s comp. It varies widely, shop around.

jfuzzy (2

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