Medicinal Herb Grower Apprentice Program

Vajra Farm is accepting applications for its apprentice program for the 2008 growing season for those interested in learning the art of medicinal herb cultivation, organic farming and sustainable agriculture/Permaculture practices. Vajra Farm is a 45-acre research farm and botanical sanctuary, which is located 17 miles north of Lawrence, Kansas.

The Farm is looking for interested individuals and botany students who are willing to participate as apprentices by working approximately 10 hours per week for a minimum of three months. Apprentices will help with clearing of brush, annual burning, preparing cultivation beds, planting, weeding, mowing, seed harvest, prairie restoration projects and much more. Instruction will focus on the following areas:

• Learning the uses of medicinal herbs
• Cultivation practices for medicinal herbs and organic vegetables
• Preparation of organic fertilizers, biological control of pests, use of soil amendments
• Identification of prairie and woodland species
• Learning the basics of habitat restoration and sustainable agriculture
• Learning the process and requirements of organic certification
• Plant breeding and husbandry
• Permaculture design and implementation

General Program: The program will begin March 1 and end in October. There will be no costs for participation but apprentices will be expected to provide their own transportation, food and expenses.

The apprentice program is available for only a limited number of participants. Apply by sending a detailed letter describing yourself, interests, why you wish to apprentice, what you hope to learn, and when and how long you wish to participate in the program. Include two references with your application.

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