The Local Food Project at Airlie’s internship program provides food production training and business and leadership skills to the next generation of small farmers. Interns work from spring to early fall on a full range of garden projects that familiarize them with the Local Food Project’s complete food production system. From preparing beds and planting crops, to harvesting produce and distributing vegetables to the Airlie Center kitchen, interns participate in all aspects of running a sustainable agriculture operation.

In addition to hands on work, interns learn about current trends and long-term issues surrounding the local food movement. Interns read books and articles, watch films, conduct internet research, and engage in regular discussions with Local Food Project staff. Outings to nearby small farms allows interns to observe a variety of production systems and make connections with both experienced and emerging growers.

A combination of group and independent work provides interns with the opportunity to be mentored by an experienced farmer (Local Food Project Director Pablo Elliott), but also to experiment and make some of their own decisions pertaining to small incubator plots. This structure, along with ongoing conversations about sustainable agriculture, stimulates interns to become food producers as well as community leaders.

For more information about the Local Food Project at Airlie internship program or to apply, contact us at localfoodproject@airlie.org.

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