Daloz 80-member CSA seeks farming interns for 2008 Growing Season!

Farming interns work with the CSA manager on all aspects of the certified organic farming operation including seed starting, care of seedlings, transplanting, field prep, weeding, irrigation, harvest, and coordination of the two CSA pickup days. Depending on the time of year they are present, interns may also be involved in forestry projects around the farm. Animal chores are optional.

The purpose of the internship program is to give new and aspiring farmers a clear understanding of the daily life of a New Hampshire CSA during the growing season. The work ranges from invigorating and life changing, to physically challenging and tedious depending on the attitude of the intern. At Daloz CSA we are committed to educating ourselves and others on the value of local farms and building the skills necessary to nurture the earth while producing a substantial quantity of fresh whole foods for our community. We also place high value on the people that work on our farm, in the belief that our relations with each other are a reflection of the way that we care for our community and the land.

Interns work a rigorous five to six day work week in exchange for room & board and an educational experience. Although the work schedule is flexible, the work itself is undeniably challenging. Daloz CSA is willing to work with you to get academic credit for your internship. In addition to learning organic food production through hands-on experience in our four acre market garden, interns also go on field trips to other farms and participate in weekly meetings focusing on specific elements of farming and tasks for the week ahead. Rustic housing options are available onsite at the farm (some indoor spaces, unlimited camping areas). Cooking and cleaning responsibilities are shared by all residential members of the farm crew. We also offer a stipend for interns that commit to the farm for the eight month growing season – March or April 1 through November 1. Shorter term interns are welcome to apply but not eligible for stipend.

Previous farming experience is useful but not necessary. Willingness to commit to the entire growing season, interest in Permaculture, ecological design and creating a sustainable future highly valued. Interns are expected to engage in physical labor on a daily basis. Excessive bathing is discouraged.

To apply, open the application form. Fill the form and email it to Abby, or print and send via US mail to Daloz CSA, P.O. Box 203, Hancock, NH 03449.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are you still accepting interns for the 2008 growing season?

Yes. We accept intern applications continuously throughout the year.

How many other people work at Daloz Farm CSA?

There are four staff farmers plus landowner Charlie Daloz. So far this year, we have two full season interns, and we are expecting 3-5 more shorter duration interns. There are several working members who join the crew on a regular basis.

Do you have animals on your farm? Do you use animal products in the cultivation of your crops?

We have chickens, ducks and occasional pigs. We use a lot of composted manure to fertilize our fields, and occasionally use fish emulsion to give our seedlings and/or field crops a boost. Vegetarians are welcome to join our farm crew. Dinner is prepared to the common denominator - if a vegetarian is present, then we eat vegetarian. Breakfast and lunch are fend for yourself from the farm kitchen and may include meat for those who enjoy it.

What are the housing options?

Many interns choose to camp out in the woods, others prefer to share space in the Cooper's Shed (a comfortable indoor space with beds). All residents have access to the common areas of our farmhouse, which include bathroom, hot water, electricity, wireless internet, laundry machine and phone.

Do I need a car?

No. If you don't have personal transportation, we are happy to pick you up when you arrive and drop you off when you leave in Manchester (airport) or Concord (bus). Farm vehicles are used to go to events at other farms throughout the growing season. Bikes are used to get from field to field around the farm. We have a few extra, but if you live close enough to bring your own bike - that's great!

What is an average day like on the farm?

Work usually starts at 8am, except on harvest days, when we begin at around 6-6:30am. We generally work until midday then take some time off for lunch and maybe a swim in the river if it's hot out. Work resumes for the rest of the afternoon and usually finishes between 6:30pm and dark. Weeding, watering, transplanting, seeding, harvesting, bed prep, bug picking, mulching, thinning crops and trellising are our most common activities. Toward the end of the day, one of the crew makes dinner and the rest devour it appreciatively. Everyone helps wash the dishes and clean up, and then we do our own thing for the evening (read, watch a movie, go to a bar or dancing, play music, chat on the phone, do laundry, etc.)

How much is the stipend?

$100 a month (for interns who commit to a full season: April 1-November 1). Shorter duration interns receive no financial remuneration.