OGI Internship in Organic Horticulture
Become a Host Farm
If you own or manage a certified organic horticultural holding, we want to hear from you!
We are always looking for farms to host interns on our Internship Programme. 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 and committed employee, with experience in horticulture, who will bring new knowledge back to your farm through their participation in the OGI training programme – which includes farm walks, workshops & a QQI Level 5 module in Organic Principles & Standards.
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 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.
Do you already have a potential new employee lined up for the season? Sign them up to the OGI Internship in Organic Horticulture, so that they can benefit from the in-depth training programme and bring their new knowledge and skills back to your farm.
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’ll 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
To take part in the programme, host farms must:
• Provide a minimum of 30 hours’ work/week for a period of 6-9 months.
• Provide paid employment at national minimum wage or more, and provide a contract.
• Ensure the farm is a safe place to work, and that good health and safety procedures are adhered to.
• Give clear guidance and support to the new employee.
• Give a varied range of work throughout the work placement. Provide the opportunity to work in as many different areas of production as possible, as well as explaining business planning, budgeting, marketing.
• Provide regular one-to-one mentoring.
• Allow flexibility for interns to attend the formal training days required as part of the programme.
• Host a farm walk on their own farm for all interns.
OGI Role
The OGI Internship 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.
Testimonials
“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.”
