120 Full article 1_4available at: cherryvale.ca Intern Application Extension... to February 3, 2012 Cherryvale Organic Farm is located in Prince Edward County, approximately 10km south of the town of Picton and just outside of the hamlet of Cherry Valley. The farm is 145 acres in total, of which approximately 70 acres are presently under cultivation with a wide range of certified organic crops, including many varieties of vegetables, fruits and grains. Our farming operation includes both annual and perennial crops, as well as a passive solar style greenhouse and geodesic dome greenhouse, and we are always experimenting with new and different crops to add to our offerings. For the 2012 season, we have a number of openings for qualified individuals to join our farm team, working under the supervision of our Horticulture Production Coordinator to help grow a range of organic foods for sale directly from the farm and through a number of local and regional businesses. Positions will run from April to November 2012, depending on seasonal needs and your availability. All internships will be paid, full-time positions (40-50 hours per week) and will include rotating weekend work. Early morning starts will be common, particularly during hot weather, and some late day finishes will be necessary, particularly during transplanting season when we need to work during the coolest part of the day to give our seedlings the best possible chance to survive and thrive. Assistance with accommodation can be provided. This is an opportunity for those interested in gaining hands-on, practical experience, working and learning alongside other like-minded individuals in a functioning organic farm business. You will have many opportunities to learn during your time at Cherryvale and we look forward to learning from you as well. Qualities we are looking for in our 2012 farm interns: · a desire to learn coupled with a strong work ethic · a willingness to challenge self physically and mentally · willingness and ability to work effectively as part of a team · willingness and ability to follow direction and show dedication to the farm · an affinity for outdoor work and ability to work in all weather conditions * An interest in, and knowledge of, organic/ecological farming/gardening methods is a bonus, but not a requirement - If you have an open mind and willingness to learn, we'd be happy to meet you! To apply, please email a cover letter and your resume to Laurie Mutton by February 3rd, 2012 at lmutton@regulus.ca Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:06:36 -0500 Full article 1_3available at: cherryvale.ca Driving down County Road 10, it's not uncommon to see cars parked at the side of the road marvelling at the buildings, lanscaping, and the obvious commitment to green energy surrounding Cherryvale Organic Farm. Just what is this place, and what happens here? At its core, Cherryvale is an organic, sustainable farm. Purchased by Toronto's Regulus Investment Company in 2007, the plot of land that had been farmed for generations was bought with the intention of creating a 'farm of the future': local, organic, and self-energizing. Since then, Cherryvale has evolved on its own - and fast. Set off the road is an enormous three-story complex equipped with a dorm facility, commercial kitchen, food processing centre, and office/reception area. Surrounding this: a man-made pond, waterfall, teaching gardens, geodesic dome, future grist mill, greenhouses and fields of soon-to-be-harvested produce fill in the landscape. Four solar panels and two wind turbines complete the sustainable landscape, and generate the majority of the farm's energy. Permaculture means "permanent agriculture" and defines growing practices in harmony with the natural processes of established ecosystems. This idea permeates each aspect of Cherryvale's vision - using new technology that supports ancient wisdom about farming and land care. Incorporating advanced water management systems, diligent composting practices, and a landscape created to maximize pollination, Cherryvale aims to work with its natural environment to produce the best products possible. Diversity is important to Cherryvale's dream - apparent in their variety of available products. Seasonal produce as well as their year-round supply of local flour (spelt, rye & buckwheat) is available both through their online store and through select retailers from Prince Eward County to Kingston to Toronto. In addition to produce, this summer they're developing a partnership with Green Barn Nursery, in Quebec, to bring unique perennials, trees and indigenous edibles to Cherryvale for purchase. If in a pinch, visitors shouldn't be afraid to go to the farm directly for all their Cherryvale needs. Though they don't have a roadside stand, they're always eager to welcome visitors to the farm - just don't be dismayed if these busy folk have to hurry on their way. If you'd like an in-depth visit and tour, plan a trip around one of Cherryvale's monthly open-houses where visitors can sample their new prepared product line developed by Chef Sebastien Schwab, buy seasonal plants and produce, and take a guided tour. If your interests are more specific, check into one of Cherryvale's workshops - Bud Grafting on August 20th or Eat Your Landscape on August 21st. Visit Cherryvale online for more information on their philosophy, upcoming events, or to order produce directly from the source all season long. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:03:45 -0500 Full article 1_1available at: cherryvale.ca Open Farms is an initiative organized by the National Farmers Union to allow everyone the opportunity to explore farms in the southeast agricultural region, radiating from Kingston and including Prince Edward County. The idea is to try and get people back in touch with the land by touring participating farms. One of the 12 "open farms" in the County is a relative newcomer, Cherryvale Organic Farm. The farm, located outside of Milford, began its present transformation in 2007 on a property farmed since 1858 by the Moore family. Cherryvale is a virtual showcase for modern farming. Farm Manager Andrew Miller guided tours around the property starting at the modern, open farm centre with stops at the energy building and the solar panels, the field of oilseed radishes used as "green manure", a brand new, movable chicken coop, a man-made pond to retain runoff water for irrigation, and a geodesic dome presently housing some cold-sensitive perennials such as guava and avocado that the farm is developing. "Our number one objective is food production," said Miller, "and we would like to do this with the smallest carbon footprint we can." As such, the farm employs only local workers, four full time and 15 at the peak of the season. Miller added that the farm is growing and changing and trying new things constantly. They have a goal to include local schools in their educational programs and to hold community events in their farm centre. "We are always in R&D mode," say Miller who laughs when he adds, "Our growth is organic." Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:01:05 -0500