Become a Host Farm
Could you be a host farm?
We are always looking for farms to host interns on our Internship Programme. If you own or manage a certified organic horticultural holding, we want to hear from you!
This is a great opportunity to support new entrants into the sector. You’ll be supporting the development of a knowledgeable and experienced network of growers in Ireland and passing on your valuable knowledge to the next generation of growers!
You’ll benefit from employing a dynamic, hard-working & committed employee who has experience in horticulture and who will bring new knowledge back to your farm through their participation in the OGI training programme. This includes farm walks, workshops & a QQI Level 5 module in Organic Standards & Principles.
Do you already have a potential new employee lined up for the season? Sign them up to the OGI Internship in Organic Horticulture and they will also benefit from the in-depth training programme!
Host farm benefits
The programme provides host farms with opportunities, not obligations!
- We provide a pool of applicant workers to choose from. They will be specifically interested in your farm and have previous experience in horticulture and/or farm work.
- We provide your chosen intern with essential Health and Safety and Manual Handling training and certificates.
- Benefit from your employee bringing new knowledge back to your farm. The OGI training programme includes farm walks and workshops from other growers and experts across the country.
- We will promote each host farm on our social and print media throughout the year.
- We provide ongoing support such as interview and review meeting templates and guidance.
Host farm responsibilities
- Provide a minimum of 30 hours/week work over a 6-month period.
- Pay the intern minimum wage or more and provide a contract.
- Give clear guidance and support to the new employee.
- Give a varied range of work throughout the work placement.
How it works
Contact the OGI Internship Coordinator at placement@organicgrowersireland.ie. Fill in an application form and we will get your farm profile set up online.
In February 2025 we will send you a pack of applications. Choose who you want to interview. Hire the best candidate. Don’t find a candidate to suit? No worries, there is no obligation to hire.
Role of the OGI
- The OGI Internship programme coordinator delivers the programme on an annual basis.
- The OGI will oversee the recruitment of interns to the individual host farms.
- The OGI will organise and deliver the formal training programe.
- The OGI will issue Certificates of Completion to the intern group on successful completion of the programme.
- The OGI Internship Coordinator will be available to interns to discuss the programme and provide support as required.
- The OGI will promote each host farm on our social and print media throughout the year.
- The OGI will provide a free training workshop for host farmers.
Role of the host farm
- Provide paid employment according to the national minimum wage standards for employees on a structured training programme.
- Ensure the farm is a safe place to work, and that good health and safety procedures are adhered to.
- Provide a minimum of 30 hours’ work per week for a minimum of six months.
- Provide the opportunity to work in as many different areas of production as possible, as well as explaining the business planning, budgeting, marketing and longer term planning of the business.
- Provide regular one to one mentoring.
- Allow flexibility for interns to attend the formal training days required as part of the programme.
- Host one farm walk on their own farm for all interns.
Testimonials from past host farms
“We like showing/teaching others what we have learned over the years. The apprentice in return usually has knowledge to give us in return, especially after the training days.”
“My business benefited from a very committed and able apprentice throughout the season.”
“Good mix of on-farm working and training workshops helps motivate apprentices and brings back info and ideas to farm. The time off-farm is well rewarded by positivity it brings back to work on-farm.”
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