Overview Four Seasons Farm contributes to the development of sustainable agriculture in the Maritimes, not only by providing great products to farmers' markets and restaurants, but by creating a place where people can come to learn about all aspects of organic farming while living in an engaging cooperative environment. Located in rural Nova Scotia, 25 min west of Truro, and 1 hour north of Halifax, Four Seasons is a unique and well established medium sized farming operation beginning its 21st year as an organic farm. Family owned and operated since 1992, the farm went through a transition of ownership from one generation to the next last year. As always, mixed greens play an important role at the farm, while the rest of the focus is put toward herbs and market vegetables, particularly garlic, cherry and heirloom tomatoes. However, we do cultivate a full range of vegetables while continually experimenting with new things to grow and produce. There are ten greenhouses that are used for season extension, allowing us to start growing in February and finish harvesting in December. A new processing building houses a walk-in cooler and allows us to process more efficiently and out of the elements. Our farm currently cultivates 4 of the 6 acres owned and leases an additional fifteen, which we began to work into our crop rotation last year. This year we will cultivate more of this land allowing other land to rest in cover crops. Fruit trees, small fruit and chickens for eggs are current ways that we are incorporating in our practical, permacultural and biodynamically inspired approach to organic farming. The farm is a place to learn about food in its many aspects, especially growing it. Experience farming as both as a lifestyle and a livelihood alongside seasoned farmers who want to teach what they know and more. As part of this unique opportunity we incorporate visiting other farms, facilitating workshops, and encouraging reading from a comprehensive house library. Additionally, three times per season (with the seasons) a full day is committed to visit farms, host workshops and reflect on what was learned and observed up until that point. During this season the crew will consist of Sina and Owen as owners and managers, four to six interns, up to three local part-time farm hands, and volunteers & friends. Also,we have Kevin, Angela and their two boys Cedar (7) and Hunter (10) (and their cat Merlin) living and helpingus on the farm. Come and join our fun farm family! INTERNSHIPS Interns are invited to join us from March until November Work/Learn Description: Over the course of the season interns will develop the skills to grow from "seed to plate." Some of the tasks and themes include: seeding and transplanting; compost making, soil health and fertility; cover cropping; irrigation; trellising and pruning; weed, pest and disease prevention and management; intercropping; succession planting; managing and improving high tunnels; crop post-harvest care; farm direct marketing, delivering and selling at a farmers' markets; Cooking and preserving food; poultry care; permaculture; breaking and working fresh ground; fixing and maintaining small machinery; general farm maintenance Some building projects are also planned for this year include: finishing the new processing building, transforming a building in to an apartment, painting the house and building a small cabin (potentially others) Learning and working take place in both individual and group settings; there is individual instruction, group demonstrations, and working with one another to pass along skills Detailed instructions are given to develop the skills necessary to perform tasks on the farm Visits to other farms throughout the season and occasional workshops by various people of relevance There is an extensive farming library where the staff can help facilitate independent study Special workdays with friends and community several times a year for a change of pace Housing: Housing is provided in the beautiful family farm house. Some interns will have their own rooms while others will have to share. All meals are provided (we love food and we eat damn good!) Vegetarians always welcome. Access to Canada-wide long-distance phone calls and wireless internet Laundry facilities available and detergent, soap, sunscreen and some over the counter medication provided Regular opportunities to cook almost anything with fresh and local ingredients Interns are also expected to take part in managing an orderly household, clean the house weekly, do household chores and take turns cooking for everyone Farm conduct: There is a list of household guidelines which outline a number of rules of respect and procedure followed in the house and on the farm Smokers are welcome but must smoke outside, disposing of butts appropriately Safety is of great importance to us here and precautions are taken to avoid accidents. Participation is of course required from everyone involved Additional Benefits: A weekly stipend that increases with length of stay An opportunity to explore this beautiful region of Nova Scotia on the Bay of Fundy (several bikes available, mudsliding, swimming, sports, hiking and foraging are all things that are commonly done here) The chance to meet others from around the world and locally, involved in the farm and food revival movement Campfires, playing music and socializing are common activities enjoyed on the farm (sing it!) An open communal space is available for yoga, stretching, discussions, presentations, study, and mediation etc. Check us out at fourseasonsfarm.ca A warm welcome to those who enjoy hard work, tasty food, good conversation, music, and living with a diverse group of people. We sincerely look forward to working hard and having a great time together! From Maitland
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