Do you dream of running your own organic farm?

If you’re setting the seeds of a career in chemical-free growing, time is running out on a unique opportunity to get some real hands-on experience during a six-month paid internship.

The Organic Growers of Ireland has extended the deadline for applications to its Organic Farming Internship Programme in Horticulture 2021 until Friday, February 5th, 2021.

You’ll need to know your way around a shovel; applicants will either have completed a Level 5 FETAC qualification in horticulture or have a minimum of one-year work experience on a farm.

According to the organisation, the work placement will involve a minimum of 30 hours a week of work over a six month period on a well-established organic, horticultural farm in Ireland.

“The participants will be employed by the individual farms directly and will be supported by a formal training programme which is being funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine.” an OGI spokesperson explained.

“This high-quality training programme will bring together in a formal framework what the apprentices are learning practically on a day-to-day basis on the farm.”

Participants will develop an understanding of sustainable organic systems of farming and the economics of running a successful horticultural enterprise.

Conor Foxton completed the internship in 2015 and now operates a one-acre market garden supplying local shops and farmer’s markets.

“I found the internship was the ideal way for me to learn the practical skills needed to start my own horticultural enterprise,” said Conor.

“There was a good mix of classroom learning along with farm walks and the invaluable practical learning gained while working on an organic vegetable farm. It gave me great insight into the realities and challenges involved in growing organic vegetables and also the confidence to set up my own market garden.”

Interested in applying for a place? Fill out an application form before Friday here.