Frinklepod Farm

Last Updated On: enero 25th, 2021 at 09:56AM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
244 Log Cabin Road
Arundel, Maine, 04046

Primary Contact: Noah Wentworth
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 207-632-3064
    Email: farmfrinklepod@gmail.com

Website: http://www.frinklepodfarm.com

Internship information

General Farm Description: We're passionate about providing our community with nourishing food, resources & education related to living more sustainably, creating opportunities to connect with each other and local agriculture. Deeply concerned about the loss of agricultural land and biodiversity in this part of southern Maine, we use regenerative farming methods, employ farming practices focused on soil health and draw inspiration from permaculture principles. As partners in both life and work, we (Noah and Flora) manage different aspects of our ever-evolving farm business. Noah is the lead veggie farmer, running our seedling greenhouse, 4 high tunnels, field production of annual and perennial crops, and post-harvest operations. Flora runs the retail, business, and marketing sides of the farm. She also grows flowers, manages our commercial kitchen, leads vegan cooking classes and organizes our events calendar. ALL of our produce is sold direct-to-customer in our year-round farm store, which is also stocked with unique local foods, vegan groceries, grab & go meals, and more. Our customers consist of CSA members (who've signed up for a gift card with perks), locals, and seasonal visitors/tourists. From the beginning, our focus has been on creating a welcoming, informative, and authentic farm experience for the public, inviting them to see a small-scale vegetable farm operation in practice. With the COVID crisis we remain committed to this mission while also ensuring safe and comfortable working conditions for our crew.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: early April
Internship Ends: late October/ early November
Number of Internship Available: 3 (2 Beginner Apprentices, 1 Advanced)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Minimum Length of Stay: Full Season

Internship Details:

We are hiring 2 Beginner Farm Apprentices and 1 Advanced Farm Apprentice to join our team for this season. Our crew consists of a full-time, year-round employee (farm store manager), a few local, seasonal employees who mainly help in the farm store and kitchen, and the farmer-owners, Noah and Flora. As an apprentice, you will work closely with Noah on all things related to growing organic vegetables on a production scale – greenhouse seeding, seedling care, transplanting, irrigation, weeding, pest management, harvesting, washing, processing, and more. There is also the opportunity to help with flower farming if you have interest.

Our apprentices receive an immersive experience in the running of a small, community-focused, certified organic farm business. Educational components of the apprenticeship program include

individualized instruction
an emphasis on learning by doing
rotating responsibilities around the farm and your own greenhouse to manage
weekly lunch & learn sessions with the crew
regular individualized goal setting and check-ins
participation in MOFGA’s (Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association) farmer training sessions online & in-person
Conversations around farm financing and bookkeeping, crop planning and record keeping, marketing and community relations, and broader issues such as food equity and industrial agriculture are all part of the experience.
participating in events on the farm, including workshops and tours
We are seeking apprentices who are self-directed and passionate about learning how to farm. Preference is given to people who have prior experience in farming, landscaping, or other high-intensity experiences such as college sports. Our second-year apprentice must have spent one full season apprenticing on a comparable farm and will be prepared to take on some additional responsibilities and leadership within the crew. Farming is physically demanding, happens in all kinds of weather, and can be tedious. Strength, stamina (physical, emotional, and mental), speed, and efficiency are all traits that make a successful farmer. But we also value flexibility, curiosity, a sense of humor, and really good communication skills. We expect you to be comfortable working both alone and with others, to be able to accept constructive criticism, and to be comfortable advocating for your needs (at both work and home).

Educational Opportunities: See internship description

Skills Desired: We are seeking apprentices who are self-directed and passionate about learning how to farm. Preference is given to people who have prior experience in farming, landscaping, or other high-intensity experiences such as college sports. Our second-year apprentice must have spent one full season apprenticing on a comparable farm and will be prepared to take on some additional responsibilities and leadership within the crew. Farming is physically demanding, happens in all kinds of weather, and can be tedious. Strength, stamina (physical, emotional, and mental), speed, and efficiency are all traits that make a successful farmer. But we also value flexibility, curiosity, a sense of humor, and really good communication skills. We expect you to be comfortable working both alone and with others, to be able to accept constructive criticism, and to be comfortable advocating for your needs (at both work and home).

Meals: No, but farm produce is included.

Stipend: Apprentices receive a biweekly stipend which breaks down to $8/hour for beginner apprentices and $10-12/hour for the advanced apprentice depending on experience.

Housing: Housing includes two private bedrooms in a historic barn and a camper, a kitchen/hang-out space that is used exclusively by the apprentices, an outhouse; with access to wifi, a washing machine, and glorious swimming pond.

Preferred method of Contact: email