Looking to work hard, learn hard, and make a big difference in a rural food desert? AMI’s tuition-free Farm Fellowship is six-month program designed for individuals interested in rural agriculture and sustainable farming.

Summary

From May 1 through October 27, AMI sponsors a cohort of passionate individuals to learn, live, and study together on the Allegheny Farm in rural Highland County, Virginia. Fellows gain a full season of hands-on, diversified experience in intensive vegetable production on a Certified Naturally Grown farm. In addition, Fellows learn and participate in food preservation, poultry care and processing, rotational grazing, mushroom cultivation, beekeeping, herbalism, fruit cultivation, and business skills. Fellows are directly involved with food distribution and sales via Farmers Market participation, a Community Supported Agriculture program, and food donations. Daily experiential learning is augmented by weekly workshops and field trips led by passionate, experienced staff and topical experts.

Fellows spend up to 40 hours per week farming and up to 10 hours participating in educational activities on the farm in a typical week, with occasional weekend commitments for chores and AMI events

Compensation Information

Educational scholarships to all selected Fellows includes a $1,700 monthly stipend, along with housing, farm-fresh vegetables and farm products, and a group pantry budget. Fellows receive 6 days of personal leave, and 3 holidays. AMI provides accident insurance coverage. Additional need-based scholarships are available for travel and gear expenses.