OGI Work Placement Programme

The OGI Work Placement Programme in Organic Horticulture consists of a horticultural work placement on a well-established organic horticultural farm in Ireland, supported by a training programme of in-depth classes, practical workshops and farm walks. Participants work a minimum of 30 hours/week over their 6 to 9 month placement, and are employed directly by their host farm.

The OGI oversees the recruitment of the interns and organises and delivers the training programme. Previously titled the OGI Internship, it was established by the Organic Growers of Ireland in 2014 and is funded on an annual basis by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Application Criteria & Guidance

• Applicants should have a horticultural qualification QQI level 5 (or equivalent) and/or a minimum of six months work experience on a farm.
• It is recommended that applicants should clearly demonstrate in their application their commitment to organic growing, as well their physical ability and experience in working outdoors.
• Applicants must not have previously taken part in any OGI Work Placement / Internship programme. 
• If you are applying from outside the EU you must already have an Irish working visa in place before applying. We do not organise working visas.

The Training Programme

The formal training programme consists of:

• Six workshops and classes over the period of your work placement delivered by growers and experts across the organic sector. The workshops will cover core subjects such Soils, Propagation, Health and Safety, Pest, Weed and Disease Management, Business and Marketing, High value crops, Machinery and more.
• Includes Organic Principles & Standards module with participants producing an organic conversion plan, exploring routes to market and completing end of year exam to gain certificate.
• A series of six farm walks on some of the best organic farms in the country, with a focus on each farms working model and the crops they specialise in.

Accreditation

A Certificate of Completion will be issued to each intern from the Organic Growers of Ireland for the successful completion of:

• Work placement on their host farm (minimum 30 hours per week over a minimum of 6 months).
• Attendance at all workshops and farm walks.
• 25 hour block module in Organic Principles and Standards (QQI Level 5) and exam.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are now closed for 2024. Please email placement@organicgrowersireland.ie for more information.

1. Find out about our Host Farms

To read more detailed information about the Host Farms taking part in the Work Placement Programme, please download our Host Farm Profile document below. 

Availability of placements at our Host Farms are subject to change. We will always do our best to match you with the most suitable Host Farm available.

To see the full list of 2024 Host Farms, please click here.

2. Complete your Application Form

To apply for the programme please download an application form below.

Return your completed form to our Programme Coordinator by email: placement@organicgrowersireland.ie.