Persephone Farm

Couples are encouraged to apply.  CSA, flower production and floral design, farmer’s market, restaurant sales, orchard, poultry, composting, marketing. Idyllic setting within walking distance of sandy swimming beach, a welcoming intentional community, miles of wooded trails, and abundant wildlife. Lovely small town atmosphere in cool, lush Western WA. Agricultural experience is not required. More important are: a positive attitude, willingness to work and try hard, good verbal communication skills and physical health, strong work ethic, flexibility, and a love of healthy cooking and eating. Lots of hands on instruction and responsibility in all aspects of the farm’s operation. Optional readings, field trips, research, and directed self-study projects as desired. We annually attend various workshops and educational events paid for by the farm. Also, apprentices have the opportunity to tend their own small garden plot during their stay here. Live in a cozy, wood-heated yurt on our beautiful, quiet 13 acre farm an hour, including ferry ride, from Seattle. Dwellings are electrified, furnished, and have (somewhat sketchy) wireless Internet access. There is a communal kitchen, shared bathroom and laundry. We’ve offered our apprenticeship for well over a decade and have developed a well-rounded, respected, and, in many cases life-changing opportunity for those who come to work alongside us. We particularly encourage those interested in starting their own sustainable, diversified small farms to apply. Our helpers work closely with the two women farmer/owners who emphasize teaching in the fields. Many of our former apprentices are now successful growers, building on our creative model of niche marketing and the authenticity of our growing practices. We strongly believe that each year’s group of interns is our most important crop, as they take their season of learning with us out into the world to affect positive change.

In addition to our on-farm education, we are part of a richly textured community with an abundance of skills to share. Past offerings have included bread and cheese making, fermentation including hard cider making, fiber arts, wild crafting, herbal medicine making, wedding flower design, black smithing, wine making, bee keeping and more. These would be self-initiated learning projects which we would help you set up.

Stipend is approximately $650/month. Some profit sharing and bonuses. Farm fresh veggies, eggs and some chicken are provided as well as housing and utilities.