Farm and Food System Fellowship

Description

AMI’s 18-month Farm and Food System Fellowship is an educational program that fully sponsors, trains, and empowers individuals to become teachers and advocates for a food system that is socially, environmentally, and economically just. Selected Fellows spend six months in experiential, residential Farm and Food Study at AMI’s Allegheny Farm Campus, followed by a Community Action Year, applying their training in partnership with regional non-profit organizations.

Job Duties

Farm and Food Study: May 17 – October 27, 2021

• Learn, live, and study with a cohort of passionate individuals dedicated to revitalizing the food system on a remote mountain farm in Highland County, VA.
• Gain hands-on experience in fruit and vegetable production, poultry care, rotational grazing, mushroom cultivation, beekeeping, agroforestry, ecological farm design, food preservation, whole food cooking, and multiple aspects of the food system.
• Explore critical food system issues and deepen farming skills through educational sessions and a diverse range of weekly workshops or field trips.
• Receive a $1,000 stipend upon signature and commitment to the Community Action Year contract. Additional benefits include housing at the Allegheny Farm Campus and farm produce supplemented with whole food staples, plus 3 days of personal leave and 3 holidays.

Community Action Year:  January 10 – December 16, 2022

• Put training into action through a year of immersive farm and food work with AMI and community partner organizations in Highland and Augusta Counties, Virginia.
• Build knowledge and skills in farming, food systems, and professional practices through monthly continuing education opportunities, field trips, and workshops.
• Grow through monthly mentorship and support by AMI staff.
• Earn $10 per hour (less payroll taxes, paid bi-weekly). Additional benefits include health insurance, Workers’ Compensation, 10 days of paid time off, and 1 day of wellness leave per month.

Skills Required

At AMI’s discretion, Fellows may be asked to repay the costs of Phase I of the Fellowship if they voluntarily leave the program early or fail to commit to or complete Phase II.  Applicants invited to participate in the Fellowship must clear a background check.

Work Schedule

Farm and Food Study: 8 am – 5 pm, one hour lunch. 40-50 hours per week with chores and educational activities.

Community Action Year: 9 am – 5 pm, some evening or weekend work required, depending on the position. 40 hours per week.

Additional Info

Apply online at bit.ly/amifellowship2021

Applications received by February 10 will receive priority consideration. All applications are due March 10. Learn more at www.amifellows.org or e-mail jessa@amifellows.org.