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Description
Pushing the Envelope Farm (PtEF), a non-profit organic community farm and educational center, works to raise awareness and support for sustainable agriculture and teaches programming on environmental ethics. The farm features large community gardens, honey bees, laying hens, and several independent agricultural businesses.
Position Overview:
The Beginning Farmer Incubator is designed to give young growers the opportunity to gain critical experience running a small-scale sustainable operation in a resource-sharing environment. PtEF is committed to supporting new farmers as they build their credentials as agricultural community members and business people.
The program provides organically managed agricultural land and farm infrastructure with on-site housing, access to ongoing education, and the opportunity to live with other young sustainably-minded farmers. PtEF believes that farming is a personal experience and is dedicated to working with individual participants to help them meet their project vision.
Program and Site Amenities:
The farm incubator provides much of the infrastructure needed to run a small farm operation, including:
- on-site living accommodations - air conditioned housing, communal living space and kitchen, full bath, washer/dryer, parking, and wi-fi
- minimum of 1+ acres of Certified Naturally Grown land per participant
- tractor, hand-tool, and other equipment use
- greenhouse and hoop-house space
- tool shop and building space
- produce washing station refrigerated storage for produce
- proximity to Chicago area farmers markets and restaurants that support local farmers
- membership to agricultural education networks
- on-going resources and support from active local community
Life at the Farm Incubator:
The farm incubator provides a unique opportunity for new farmers to live together and support each other, as residents share machinery and farm infrastructure while maintaining separate enterprises. As an extension of the cooperative ethic, residents are asked to help build community awareness about sustainable farming by providing a monthly community outreach event. Events can be anything such as screening an environmental film, hosting a group weeding session, or teaching a cooking workshop.
How the Program Works:
Space at the incubator includes all infrastructure and housing, and runs from January 15 - December 15 of the program year, with the possibility for renewal. Prices vary depending on acreage and room, with the average price at $450/month. Accommodations for couples and shared rooms are possible.
To Apply:
Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit a letter of introduction to arrange an interview, or call us for more information.