“Set your shoulder joyously to the world’s wheel.” —Havelock Ellis
Internship
Helping hands
Wholearth Farmstudio is a member of CRAFT Ontario (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmers in Training), which is an informal, member-driven network of farmers that offers educational internships on their organic and ecological farms. There are several nodes across the province—we are part of CRAFT Kawartha.
VOLUNTEER In addition to seeking 2 full-time seasonal interns, 
we have various friends, volunteers, guests, WWOOF’ers (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) and visitors who enjoy lending a hand for a few hours or a few days. Come on out and practise sustainable farming…bring your boots and gloves…we welcome your Email to arrange a suitable time to join us at work in the barnyard and in the fields.
FULL SEASON INTERNS Wholearth Farmstudio needs two land-loving, creative, energetic, enthusiastic individuals with high spirits, warm hearts & good humour, for organic CSA farm internship to learn about sustainable farming. 
We raise slow, good, real food with care & kindness on 100 rolling acres of field, pastures, meadows, gardens, woods, ponds & marsh, supplying organic veggies & naturally raised heritage meats to a our HarvestShare CSA members; a local food cooperative and the Peterborough Farmer’s Market.
For those interested in local food and agri-tourism, we also host seasonal zero-mile field-to-table gourmet food celebrations uniting local chefs, guests, producers and farmers. Last years Wholearth Heritage Harvest Feast was sold out and we plan to host a summer outdoor feast as well as our Thanksgiving event. All menu items are grown here or on nearby farms, with many on the Slow Foods Ark of Taste list.
This summer we’re holding several sustainable-themed workshops-including straw bale; adobe clay ovens; building a root cellar; beekeeping & more. Lambing starts in April, and you’ll be involved in learning about and caring for Heritage breeds-Shropshire sheep, Jersey Giant chickens, Bourbon Red turkeys, Tamworth pastured pigs; hatching and raising chicks; selling registered breeding livestock; farm to abattoir to custom meat orders; growing Heirloom vegetables; Farmers Markets; CSA shares; haying; marketing for new members; starting a small orchard; assisting with workshops; some artistry with signage; creating wetland habitat information; smoking meats & food preservation…dips in the spring-fed pond. There’s more, of course. We have much to do but equally appreciate 
each individuals need for space, time for art, reading, writing, etc., though during the busy summer season it’s often hard to stay awake long enough after a great day outdoors.
This immersion should leave you with lasting insight into the rewards of small sustainable farm life.
Employment: Internship dates are flexible, but are preferred from April through October. There are also opportunities for extended or shortened internships as well. 
Interns are expected to work an average of 50 hours/week over 5.5 days and share in cooking and cleaning responsibilities.
Education: In addition to daily learning of various farming techniques, Wholearth Farmstudio is part of the CRAFT Kawartha region (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmers in Training) program and participate in educational monthly field day workshops on other farms with other interns, farmers and producers.
Food and Lodging: We eat very well! We enjoy hearty, healthy, fresh and tasty organic farm meals, and can accommodate vegans, vegetarians and omnivores. We eat almost entirely from the food that we grow and preserve on our farm. Shared accommodations are available in an on-site trailer, barn loft, or a camping site. Wireless internet, phone access and laundry facilities are also provided.
Compensation: Basic but comfortable room and board, excellent meals, $200/month stipend, plus $300 end-of-season bonus. It is important that you recognize that no stipend is 
intended to compensate for labour at an hourly rate! It is a token of our thanks for your work barter with us for education in the skills and principles of organic ecological agriculture.
Self-directed projects: We offer the space and resources for interns to take on self directed projects in addition to our farm team activities as a group.
Applicants to Wholearth should…
- be enthusiastic, eager to learn, motivated, positive, dependable, trustworthy, teachable, and just plain keen
- have a positive, “get’er done” attitude
- be reliable, physically fit, emotionally mature
- take joy in hard work
- have good, positive communication skills
- have a strong desire to learn by doing
- enjoy working cooperatively with others on the farm team
- be able to work independently at other times
- be willing to work outside in all types of weather
- be able to work under pressure and at a fast pace when needed
- be receptive to feedback and adjustments for work progress, be willing to listen and learn, and to both accept and give constructive criticism (We want your feedback too!)
- be relaxed, comfortable and confident in managing customers and farmers market
- preferably have their own reliable transportation with valid driver’s license
Please email your application (resume and letter) outlining why you’d like to be a Wholearth Farmstudio Intern, your background, what you hope to glean from this experience, and if there are specific areas you have skills or abilities in (eg. such as carpentry, small engines, cooking, public relations) , or any special interest you wish to learn more about.
Based on your application and suitability, potential candidates will be contacted for an interview in January or February. We regret we may not be able to reply to every application, depending on volume. Good luck!
