First-of-its-kind organic farming apprenticeship launched

An organic farming apprenticeship program has been established in Novato, Calif., to teach students progressive, responsible farming practices including landscape ecology, composting and fertility management, according to a news release distributed by the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS).

This is the first organic farming apprentice program in the nation, the release said. The Organic Farming and Gardening Apprenticeship Program includes 1,800 hours of hands-on paid training at Fresh Run Farm in Bolinas and 11 courses of related instruction provided by College of Marin.

According to the release, the organic farming industry is the fastest growing sector in agriculture. Marin County has 23 registered organic producers that farm 810 acres of land.

The College of Marin also maintains a 5.8-acre Indian Valley Organic Farm & Garden, which is a partnership involving the Conservation Corps North Bay, the University of California Cooperative Extension and the College of Marin.

Apprenticeship training dates to ancient times when young boys were indentured to skilled tradesmen to learn a craft, according to DAS website. Today, apprentices are women and men who earn while they learn through planned, supervised work on-the-job combined with related classroom instruction.

"Just like college, apprenticeships aren’t for everyone," the website says. "Apprentices get up early, take direction from journeypersons, follow precise safety standards and attend classes at night. But at the end of their apprenticeship they get a ticket to a career anywhere they care to go."

Students work at the Indian Valley Organic Farm & Garden

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