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The Beginning Farmer Apprenticeship at Zenger Farm is meant for BIPOC folks with little to no farming experience to engage and learn about farming, agroecology, food systems, career options, and much more. Apprentices will participate in seeding, amending, transplanting, weeding, irrigating, trellising, pruning, season extension, pest management, harvesting, hauling and washing produce. They will gain experience in all aspects of our farming operations including opportunities to lead the farm crew. Off-field educational opportunities include classes and field trips!
This apprenticeship is exclusively for individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). The program is part of Zenger Farm’s commitment to addressing systemic inequities in agriculture and food systems by creating opportunities for BIPOC individuals to build skills and connections in farming.
We seek to train an inclusive next generation of farmers. Nationwide, 95% of farmers are white, 85% of farmers are men, and the average age of a farmer is 60 years old. Many other groups remain significantly underrepresented in farming. This apprenticeship program seeks to address these disparities, which stem from systems rooted in white supremacy, colonialism, racism, capitalism, and sexism.
Recognizing the historical and systemic barriers that have excluded BIPOC individuals from equitable participation in farming. Additionally, we welcome individuals who also bring lived experiences or identities as women, LGBTQ2SIA people, religious minorities, recent migrants/refugees, people with disabilities, and those from different generational and economic backgrounds who can meet the responsibilities and qualifications outlined. This program is designed for individuals with little or no farming experience and aims to provide meaningful pathways into farming and food systems work.
We seek to model an agroecological alternative to “conventional agriculture” while centering food justice work and developing practices that build soil. Agroecology takes a holistic view of the food system, integrating ecological, economic, and social dimensions. It applies ecological principles to farming by examining the relationships between plants, animals, people, and the environment. This approach enhances biodiversity, improves soil health, reduces reliance on synthetic inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and supports vibrant, healthy communities.
To create a sustainable, equitable food system, agroecology combines scientific research, farming practices, indigenous knowledge, and movements for social change. It is a transformative approach that is transdisciplinary, participatory, and action-oriented, addressing the interconnected challenges of agriculture, the environment, and society.
Farm Apprentices care for a small farm site, demonstration gardens, and fruit crops. Zenger Farm follows organic practices. We grow a small diversity of crops (vegetables, flowers, and herbs) at these locations, where we spend the majority of our time. Farm Apprentices will get to learn agroecological farming and gardening practices. In 2025, we will incorporate practices that focus on improving soil health, including no/low-till and on-farm compost. Apprentices will also be helping with fruit crop pruning and maintenance.
The core of the Zenger Farm apprenticeship consists of two beginning farmer training staff and four full-season farm apprentices. Farm apprentices spend much of their time mentored by our two farmer training staff. As farm apprentices gain more skills and familiarity with farming, there will be opportunities for independent and group work.
Education of the body is a component of this apprenticeship. We teach apprentices the underlying ergonomics of farm work. Farming is intense physical work and in nearly all weather conditions. Proper ergonomics are essential for sustainable farm endeavors. Your stamina, self-care, and efficiency will help you operate your own farm successfully.
This program includes both on field and classroom education. Farm apprentices will have direct experience in all aspects of our farming operation and will take turns leading projects that are applicable to future farm endeavors. The farm apprenticeship includes over 40 hours of classroom instruction in topics such as crop planning, irrigation, seed saving, soil fertility, recordkeeping, etc. This classroom instruction includes additional opportunities to attend classes and field trips with other local farms, farm service providers, and community-based food systems organizations. Apprentices will occasionally participate in other programming at Zenger Farm (Youth Education, Food Access, and CSA Partnerships for Health).
We strive to offer a supportive and enriching learning experience for our apprentices. We strive to create as much of a supportive environment as possible through prioritizing preventative care, open feedback, routine check-ins, and communicating expectations. Apprentices will examine the root causes of injustice in our food system through facilitated discussion with the team prompted by readings, videos, and talks. We make space for apprentices to develop connections and network within the small farming community in Portland to see firsthand how small scale farmers are innovating solutions. Through immersive field work, conversation, and creating space, we hope apprentices can start to see themselves as part of a solution for change through agriculture.
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