Jumpstart your career in organic agriculture with an immersive training program led by some of the world’s leading regenerative organic experts.
Rodale Institute’s Farmer Training (RIFT)
program is a multiple track internship that gives aspiring farmers the knowledge and experience they need to start their regenerative organic career. Interns will experience the entire lifecycle of an organic diversified crop and livestock farm, while also learning how to distribute and increase access to healthy organic food.
The Basics
RIFT internships provide hands-on training in the skills necessary to operate a highly diversified, certified organic farm. Participants will be fully immersed in the day-to-day activities involved in a growing season, from the greenhouse to the field and from the barn to the pasture and everything in between. This curriculum is designed to enable individuals with little to no farming experience to become fully capable farmers or farm managers in 2 years or less. Individuals interested in taking the next steps towards starting a career in regenerative organic agriculture are encouraged to apply.
Why Train with Rodale Institute?
Rodale Institute is widely considered the global leader in organic agriculture, growing the regenerative organic movement through research, training, and consumer education. By training with Rodale, participants will be gaining valuable experience at the cutting edge of regenerative organic innovation in an educational setting that will prepare them for future careers.
Benefits & Requirements
The Rodale Institute Farmer Training program includes:
- eligibility for on-site housing
- free vegetables for the length of the internship
- hourly wage based on on-site or off-site living status
- at least 40 hours/week commitment with additional weekend duties, in rotation with other interns
Interns are expected to have a positive attitude, be able to lift in excess of 50 lbs., and work in all types of weather.
Short Season (2-4 months)
This track is intended for beginners looking to gain introductory knowledge about regenerative organic farming. Interns will get a firsthand experience in farming skills and exposure to the pace and effort needed to operate an organic farm during peak season. Tasks will include seeding/planting, cultivating, harvesting, processing, irrigating, mulching, maintaining livestock, and selling products. Short season interns are required to attend all classroom sessions and off-site farm visits during their internship.
Full Season (9 months)
This track is intended for individuals that are seriously considering regenerative organic agriculture as a career. Full season interns will get firsthand experience on basic farming skills and experience an entire season of farming, typically from March to November. Tasks will include greenhouse work, seeding/planting, cultivating, harvesting, processing, irrigating, mulching, maintaining livestock, selling products, and preparing fields for winter. Full season interns are required to attend all classroom sessions and off-site farm visits, complete all classroom assignments, and pass all quarterly exams to graduate.
For more information, including a second year full season opportunity, please visit the Farmer Training Program information the Rodale Institute website.
Application & Deadlines
Please send a cover letter, resume and completed application to the RIFT Program Manager at RIFT@rodaleinstitute.org.
Suggested deadlines are listed below. If you miss a deadline, or you are interested in an internship that does not meet the minimum duration, please contact the RIFT Program Manager at RIFT@rodaleinstitute.org, as exceptions can sometimes be made based on the needs of Rodale Institute.
· Short Season: Will close once all positions are filled
· Full Season: Jan 30