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.