The North American Biodynamic Apprenticeship Program is continuing to expand its network of mentor farms, and we welcome new farms to the program, both organic and biodynamic. The benefits to becoming a mentor farm include:

• Support in your educational mission- Program elements like the Skills Checklists, farm journal, and independent project provide you with a structural context for the hands-on education you are already providing to your apprentices. Beyond the on-farm training that you are able to offer, your apprentices will also have access to educational farm visits and classroom study courses.
• Highly Motivated Apprentices- Because the Program is aimed towards applicants who have a serious interest and commitment to learning about biodynamics, you will likely find that applicants are more highly motivated.
• Support in your development as a teacher- An annual Farmer Mentor Conference and, eventually, regional Mentorship workshops, will provide instruction and inspiration in your own professional development as a teacher and mentor.

The Program guidelines are quite general in order to allow room for each farmer’s unique style and circumstances, so if you have already been working with apprentices, you won’t need to change much. You will continue to be able to choose which apprentices to work with and as a Mentor Farmer, you will continue to make your own arrangements with your apprentices regarding room and board, finances, time off, etc.

The main requirement for Mentor Farmers is that they be sincerely interested in the education of their apprentices and cooperate with the Program in providing this education. As outlined in the Mentor Farmer Agreement you will be asked to work with the Program’s Skills Checklists, to assist the apprentices in keeping a detailed farm journal, and to advise second-year apprentices on an independent project. In doing these things you will have the support and assistance of the Central Program Coordinator as well as your Regional Coordinator. Coordinators will meet regularly with the apprentices, help keep track of any paperwork, and work to solve any problems that may arise.If you are interested in participating in the program as a Mentor Farm, contact Kimberly Barnes at info@bdtraining.org