ATTRA Question of the Week

Answer: NCAT's ATTRA: Sustainable Agriculture Information Service provides a self-listing directory of farms seeking interns. (http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/internships/)

Our on-site Disclaimer reads:

All listings are submitted to this site by employers. The National Center for Appropriate Technology makes no claims of any kind about content, accuracy, suitability, intent, comprehensiveness, or availability of positions. NCAT makes no representations or guarantees about positions listed on its Web site and is not responsible for safety, wages, working conditions, or other aspects of employment. It is the responsibility of prospective interns to take all necessary precautions when interviewing for or accepting positions, and he/she is solely responsible for obtaining necessary information concerning the employers, using caution and common sense. It is the responsibility of host farms to be aware of federal and state labor laws related to hiring interns or apprentices. NCAT provides the listing only as a public service, and the listings do not imply any recommendation by NCAT, its ATTRA project, or USDA.

Interns must be of legal age (over 18). Prospective interns (and also their parents) are strongly advised to:

1. Make a preliminary visit to the farm. Without exception, interns disappointed with their experience have failed to take this step.
2. Sign a written agreement spelling out terms of the internship, so that there are no surprises for either the intern or the farmer. This agreement should include pay, living arrangements, duties, and compensation.

NCAT reserves the right to de-list/not accept a listing from a farm about which there have been serious and credible complaints—or a farm listing that prima facie does not reflect positively on sustainable/organic agriculture.