1. When do new farms apply for the program?

*Currently there are no farm openings within the ASAAP program, but we expect to grow in the near future. If you are interested in applying please read through the program information and contact us about being put on a waiting list.

2. What farms are eligible to apply?

Farms should be:

•Committed to truly sustainable farming practices, which may include certified organic, biodynamic, natural or other sustainable techniques

•Willing to spend time training apprentices and interested in passing on the best of their knowledge.

•Any type or combination of agricultural farm including vegetable, grain, fruit, honey, flowers or herb cultivation, or raising any kind of livestock. Businesses or homesteads managed by co-operative groups individuals, and families are welcomed. Diverse farms provide a wider range of learning opportunities!

•Able to provide room and board, and a stipend.

3. What is the process to apply?

Farmers begin the process by filling out an ASAAP Farmer Application Form. Send your completed forms to becky.lipton[at]mail.mcgill.ca Applications can also be sent by post with your $50.00 application fee to:

Becky Lipton
5815 107 Street
Edmonton Alberta
T6H 2X6

The more detailed your responses the better, as this information will help potential apprentices to learn about your farm. Farmers also provide us with photos and farm descriptions, which are posted on the website. We also provide a manual to help the farmer cover the basics, including contract guidelines for making a successful agreement.

5. What happens once I send in my application?

When we receive your application by mail or from the web site we will put you on a waiting list. When an opening comes up, we will contact you and ask you to send in the $50 annual fee to “Becky Lipton Research and Consulting Ltd”. Then we will send you a summarized description of your farm to review. If you have no changes to make, we will put it up on the web site.

You will receive the applications of all apprentice applicants who indicate they are interested in your farm. You may contact these potential apprentices if you wish to discuss a possible placement. You should let ASAAP know when you make a match or if you have any difficulties with this process.

Each year we will ask you if you want to renew your membership. If so, then you will have the opportunity to revise your farm description and add new photos (although you’re welcome to send revisions throughout the year). Most of our members renew year after year!

6. How many apprentices can I request?

There is no limit to the number of apprentices you can take on. It’s up to your abilities and needs. Most farms prefer to have one or two for as much of the growing season as possible. Some only need help for a couple months during busy times and others take apprentices throughout the year.

7. Am I guaranteed to get an apprentice?

No, although we certainly try our best! It is also important that you use your local/national contacts to promote your farm apprenticeship opportunity and get the word out.

8. Are we required to offer stipends?

All of the farms should offer stipends. These can range between $200-$800 per month. You may want to begin with a certain amount and increase the amount as the apprentice becomes more experienced on the farm. This will also help with retaining apprentices throughout the season. For example you could have an increased rate that commences after the two month training period ends. You could also offer an end of season bonus. The amount is up to you, but you will receive a lot of hard work from the apprentice so it is only reasonable to pay them, even if it is only a small amount, for their time.

9. What are apprentices looking for in a farm?

Apprentices want to learn, so it’s important that you make time for this. They are asked for an 8-week minimum commitment and over this time they are expecting to gain real farming experience and take on more and more responsibilities. You are also normally expected to provide basic room and board.

Apprentices may also be looking for particular types of farms (ie. CSA) and living arrangements (ie. willingness to accommodate dietary considerations or hire couples/friends). The more details you can provide about your farm and your willingness to accommodate ‘special requests’, the more applications you are likely to receive.

10. What can we expect from an apprentice?

Firstly, a longer term and energetic commitment to your farm than what you might receive from a WWOOFer or hired help. Apprentices normally make a minimum 8-week commitment to a farm and in return for their labor they are expecting to learn from you. As they aren’t getting regular wages, they are expecting that their hard work will pay off in other less monetary ways. Make sure you have good communications and a strong understanding of how the apprenticeship will unfold from the beginning!

11. Is the web page up to date?

The web page is updated often and we do an annual overhaul on the basic information.

12. What is the $50 for?

The membership fee covers some but not all of our expenses including web site, coordination and administration, publicity materials, postage and office supplies. We try to make it affordable for everyone. Cheques should have your name on them and can be made out to “Becky Lipton Research and Consulting Ltd.”

13. Does the program accept non-Canadian applications?

The program is set up for Canadian residents and people from other countries who have working visas. For more information on foreign workers see the Canadian Government web site:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english//study/institutions/work-volunteer.asp

Thank you from the ASAAP team!

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