|
SEEKING:
an experienced individual or couple to manage our established 2-acre market garden and CSA
REQUIRED:
minimum 3 years experience in small-scale commercial vegetable production
PREFERRED:
Eastern Washington growing experience CSA experiencen
DATES:
March-November 2008, with possibility of long-term employment
COMPENSATION:
$1600-$2000/month, DOE
farmhouse available to rent
TO APPLY:
Send cover letter, references, and resume to rachel@sunshinefarmmarket.com.
FOR MORE INFO:
Rachel Evans
37 Highway 97A
Chelan, WA 98816
509-670-8958
ABOUT THE SUNSHINE FARM
Learn More >> |
BACKGROUND:
In 2005, Guy planted our first market garden and sold its produce through our on-farm market. Our customers were enthusiastic, and Guy realized the need to bring in a full time vegetable grower. Enter Rachel, who joined the Sunshine Farm, leasing 2 acres of ground and starting a 30-member CSA. Sales increased from $8,600 to $50,000 in one year. By 2008, we were farming 4 acres of vegetables, increased our CSA to 75 members, and developed a number of off-farm accounts.
In 2008, Rachel and Guy also got married. We’re expecting a baby in the spring and so are looking for someone to take over the management of the vegetable garden.
OPPORTUNITY:
Our market garden is part of a 95-acre farm that is currently transitioning from monoculture apple production to a diverse mix of sustainably produced crops and value-added products. The long-term vision of the farm includes a bakery and cafe, an artisan goat dairy, pastured poultry and eggs, along with increasing educational and entertaining agri-tourism enterprises.
Due to the baby in the wings, we are planning on growing only 2 acres of vegetable in 2009, and putting our off-farm accounts on hold. We plan on selling all our veggies through a 40-member CSA and our on-farm market. However, the demand for vegetables in this valley is much greater than that. In the future, we would like to expand vegetable production back up to 4 acres or more. There is also the opportunity to grow and sell more cut flowers and berries, and to develop value-added products.
We have all the tools and more you will need to do your job, including a 20’x48’ greenhouse for propagation; an unheated 30’x96’ hoophouse for early tomato production and overwintering greens; ample cold storage; tractors with rotovator, subsoiler, mowers, etc, and an electric Allis Chalmers G for cultivation.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
We are looking for an individual or couple with experience and passion in small-scale vegetable production. This person would have primary responsibility for all production–from bed prep to planting to harvest. They would also manage the CSA. This person would work with Rachel to fine tune our growing plan for the year and take it from there. Rachel will be available for collaboration and consultation. Extra labor will be supplied by one Assistant Grower and/or our Sunshine Farm crew.
COMPENSATION:
We are offering $1600-$2000/month, depending on experience, or up to double that for an experienced couple. After a first successful year here, you would have the opportunity to grow and expand the veggie operation, taking more responsibility for planning and direction.
We have a 3-bedroom farmhouse available to rent at $600/month. There are also smaller cabins available.
To thrive in and enjoy this opportunity, you will need to be self-starting and disciplined, yet able to work collaboratively with the farm owners and accept feedback and guidance. You need a keen ability to organize and prioritize tasks, good record keeping skills, and an understanding of how to work efficiently.
We look forward to hearing from you! |
