Organic Career Network
Organic Career Network
On a broad level, entry into the agriculture industry often begins with post-secondary education, where future producers, traders, and leaders are created. Research has shown that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students are severely underrepresented in agriculture and agricultural education (Hartmann & Martin, 2021). While diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) continues to be a topic of conversation across the workforce, the development of support throughout the career pipeline has been slow and inconsistent.
A critical piece to increasing diversity in the organic sector includes supporting the exploration of career opportunities in the industry. In order to support these efforts, OFA has created the Organic Career Network (OCN) which connects organic organizations to historically underserved and represented students who are interested in exploring career pathways in the organic industry. The OCN aims to provide students with the opportunity to get hands-on experience with organic certification, inspection, and farmer education organizations and agencies.
In recognition that navigating higher education and career exploration can be an isolating experience for students new to the process, OCN is designed as a cohort model to foster a sense of community among students across their internship placements. The cohort will meet monthly with OFA project lead, Ryann Monteiro.
Fall 2024 Internship Applications
All internships are open to undergraduate, graduate students, as well as recent grads (within 1 year of graduation) unless otherwise noted. Must be a US resident.
Please review each internship description linked below for full details (including whether it is a remote or hybrid opportunity) and application instructions.
Across all internships, starting pay is $15 per hour for undergraduate interns and $18 for graduate interns, not to exceed a total of $2,250/undergraduate or $2,700/graduate per semester. Interns are not eligible for benefits.
Position Overview:
DRY Cooperative is seeking an intern among Arizona Land Grant university students who are majoring in food systems, organic and sustainable agriculture, and sustainability related degrees to help organize, coordinate, and facilitate the next Regenerate AZ. This annual event is dedicated to supporting farmers that use organic, regenerative, sustainable, and naturally grown methods and collaborating with leaders and stakeholders in the local food system and alternative sustainable building space. The Regenerate AZ Intern will work with DRY Cooperative and its members and partners to ensure successful planning and execution of the event and to facilitate follow-up activities with attendees.
To learn more about Regenerate AZ:
2022 Regenerate AZ – Sonoran Desert Sustainability Summit
2023 Regenerate AZ – Action Plan Report and event video
This position is seeking someone who is organized, good with details and meeting deadlines, collaborative, and able to work closely with a variety of partners and stakeholders. Interest or experience within the organic and regenerative agriculture community is a plus.
This opportunity is intended to support historically underserved and underrepresented students that are interested in exploring career pathways in the organic industry through paid internships.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Collaborate and coordinate with local and regional food system stakeholders and the invited attendees for the third annual Regenerate AZ event. This year it will be held at Blue Sky Organic Farms, a leader in Arizona for organic farming and helping other farmers transition to organic methods. Last year, it was held at Oatman Flat’s Ranch, a California Certified Organic Farmers and Regenerative Organic Certified farming operation.
- Facilitate event planning logistics to include registration, attendee list, event set-up and tear-down, and follow-up with stakeholders and event attendees
- Coordinate and collaborate with DRY Co-op leadership and its local and national partners on helping to develop a post-event survey to collect data on those interested in creating an organic transition plan and also gaging interest for the marketplace interested in sourcing organic products from producers
- Develop a post-event survey for the event attendees to obtain feedback and elicit ideas for the next annual Regenerate AZ event
Assist in creating outreach material for 2024 Regenerate AZ, such as an event promotion flyer, social media content, resources, and other materials
Must reside in Arizona.
Position Overview:
FOG is seeking an enthusiastic Communications Intern who will assist with communications across FOG programming, including the Fresh Take podcast program, and the USDA-funded Florida Local Food Project (FLFP). This role will involve researching trending topics in the organic agriculture industry (including highlighting growers who are transitioning to organic growing practices), pitching ideas for future episodes, and identifying guest speakers who exemplify different types of careers in organic and/or innovative pathways that relate to new, transitioning, and currently certified growers. Additionally, the Communications Intern will be responsible for identifying tools to advance the success of key local food actors and contribute to/ engage with a growing statewide network.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Handles communications for Fresh Take Podcast, including conducting outreach for new episodes, outline creation, and scheduling recordings with guest speakers
- Researches and organizes content (i.e., resources, events, discussions, etc.) for posting in the FLFP’s online network of 100+ members that includes farmers, entrepreneurs, chefs, and educators
- Meets weekly with Assistant Programs Manager and podcast team to review weekly deliverables, potential topics to explore, and ideas for furthering the impact of FOG programming on target audiences
Must reside in Florida, Georgia, Iowa, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South
Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, or Wisconsin.
The ISU Organic Program is looking for students interested in assisting with various demonstration projects devoted to organic agriculture and production as well as the Transitioning to Organic Partnership Program(TOPP). Students will engage in field work, collecting data, and writing up reports. If internship credits are desired (1-3 credits, depending on report requirements), please let Dr. Delate know to get signed up.
This internship focuses on current and future resources needed to support diverse farmers interested in transitioning their farming operations to certified organic. In addition to organic certification guidance, resources may also include information on access to conservation practices relevant for organic production and those transitioning to organic production systems.
This opportunity is available to Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) participants. This position reports to the Communications Manager.
Areas of Responsibility
Organic Transition Resources
- Assess Marbleseed created resources for relevance (content and active links/references)
- Identify needs for additional resources and gaps in current information provided
- Assist in the development of additional resources as needs are identified via stakeholder input and/or assessment of transition resources Marbleseed currently has; may include translation or interpretation.
- Occasionally conduct research, and offer support as needed to other teams
Communications and Promotion Support
- Work with the communications manager to update the Marbleseed website related to Transition to Organic Partnership Program and the Organic Transition Initiative
- Work with the Communications Manager and TOPP Manager to promote TOPP events as resources including sending them to the National Organic Program website
- Ensure that MARBLESEED team members leading and attending events have needed resources and materials
Position Overview:
The internship focuses on supporting the thoughtful and engaging implementation of NOC’s Pre-NOSB Meeting (October 21, 2024) and National TOPP Meeting (October 23, 2024) in Portland, Oregon. The intern will also be responsible for developing materials (blog posts, social media) about the meeting ahead of, and after the meeting. The meetings are a great opportunity for networking and getting introduced to a wide spectrum of the organic industry.
Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are encouraged to apply for this internship. This position reports to the Operations Director.
Areas of Responsibility
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- National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) engagement
- Opportunity to sit in on NOC’s NOSB Committee Calls, where NOC members discuss the comments the coalition will submit to the NOSB.
- Opportunity to give oral comments to the NOSB on an agreed upon topic ahead of the Fall 2024 NOSB Meeting.
- Event planning:
- Assist with meeting planning, including registration management, organize catering, developing materials, etc.
- Assist with farmer panelist engagement ahead of and during the meeting.
- National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) engagement
- Event management:
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- Support the events’ successful implementation.
- Participate in note-taking, and taking pictures of the meetings.
- If interested, potential opportunity to facilitate a roundtable or panel discussion at the meetings.
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- Event debrief:
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- Synthesize evaluation feedback forms.
- Develop resources (blog posts (2) , social media materials, success story (1)) about the meetings.
- If interested, participated and/or present on a “Portland NOSB meeting debrief webinar” for NOC Members and Network Affiliates.
Must live in Oregon and be available to travel to an in person meeting October 20 through October 24, 2024.
Position Overview:
Our intern will be assisting our Sustainable Ag Educators and Program Director in managing the TOPP mentorship program, Organic Inspector Training course creation, and workshop creation. They will be interfacing with mentor/mentee pairs, helping to guide them to the proper training resources, inputting data into our CRM system, and assisting with event planning for farm tours/field days and webinars.
OEFFA is currently seeking 1 intern for the Fall 2024 semester to work 10-15 hours per week over the semester, not to exceed 150 hours. Applications close September 20, 2024.
To support the initiatives of The Organic Farmers Association, this opportunity is available to Black, Indigenous, and BIPOC participants.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Mentorship pair outreach
- Data Entry into our CRM system
- Helping create course in Google Classroom
- Helping coordinate TOPP related farm tours/field days and webinars
Position Overview
Organic farmers go the extra mile, working with nature to produce healthy, nutritious food for their communities and serve as good stewards of water and land. Do you want to know these farmers? Do you want to understand why they do what they do and what they need to do their job more effectively? Do you want to help get barriers out of their way?
If you have:
- 15-20 hours/week
- The ability to work remotely and communicate effectively
- A positive attitude and a hunger for change
- A strong interest in:
- Organic, sustainable, and regenerative agriculture,
- grassroots organizing,
- and organic farmer issues.
Please consider applying for this opportunity!
Gain experience communicating with a variety of stakeholders, working with industry and government partners,and learn more about direct farmer service. Experience remote organizing with organic farmers, and gain knowledge in organic standards and the role of the USDA.
Core Responsibilities
We seek an intern who can learn aspects of operations and practice at our advocacy organization. The intern will report primarily to Julia Barton, Farmer Services Director. Primary responsibilities may include:
- Attending and supporting farmer circles (informal farmer online meeting spaces)
- Attending and supporting farmer working groups (technical farmer online working spaces)
- Research projects and resource development
- Organizing farmers for participation in the Spring National Organic Standards Board meeting
Position Overview
We are looking for a self-motivated individual interested in grassroots policy development and organic farming policy and issues. The internship will be a hybrid format, primarily remote but with occasional in-person meetings, as our Policy Director works in Washington, D.C. out of a home office. The expectation is 12-15 hrs/week. The intern will gain experience communicating with a variety of stakeholders, exposure to industry and government partners, learn more about the farm bill and organic policy development, gain experience in preparing for effective meetings with legislators, and gain knowledge in organic standards development and the role of the USDA.
Core Responsibilities
We seek an intern for the Fall Semester who can learn all aspects of operations and practice at our advocacy organization. The intern will report primarily to Lily Hawkins, Policy Director. Primary responsibilities may include:
- Power-mapping newly elected members of congress.
- Compiling data on organic production in key legislative districts.
- Researching organic issues and topics and providing reports that inform policy work
- Writing 1-2 articles for Organic Voice, OFA’s quarterly digital magazine. One summarizing the lobby day, one focusing on a topic of interest to farmers interested in organic, farmers transitioning to organic, or farmers newly certified organic.
- Researching and preparing written comments for the National Organic Standards Board
- Virtually attending part of the National Organic Standards Board meeting in October.
- Virtually attending policy committee meetings with organic farmer leaders.
Responsibilities:
- Media Asset Management (wordpress, youtube, etc): (60% Time)
- Organize, categorize, and maintain media assets including photos, videos, and graphics.
- Prepare media assets for use in various publications, ensuring they meet quality and format requirements.
- Collaborate with the communications team to source and manage content.
- Event Planning Support: (30% Time)
- Assist in planning and preparing for regional and smaller technical events.
- Coordinate event logistics such as venue setup, participant registration, and material distribution.
- Support the execution of event-related activities, ensuring smooth operations.
- General Staff Support (10% Time)
Qualifications:
- Strong organizational skills with an attention to detail.
- Proficiency in using media management software and tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Interest in organic agriculture and familiarity with NOFA-NY’s mission and programs is a plus.
- Experience in event planning or media production is preferred but not required.
The intern will work directly with the OSA Educational Specialist , assisting with coordination and hosting of events, both in person and online. This opportunity is intended to support historically underserved and represented students who are interested in exploring career pathways in the organic industry through paid internships.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Support Educational Specialist with outreach, design, implementation and delivery of up to 2 workshop in Organic Seed Production in the Oregon – Washington area preferably for Spanish speakers farmers and farmworkers
Qualifications
- Undergraduate or graduate student working in social or natural sciences degree interested in organic farming and organic seed production
- Bilingual in Spanish and English desirable
- Connections with farming communities
- Clear communication skills
- Ability to work independently and detail oriented
- Able to manage work based on goals and deliverables
- Need to be a resident of Washington State
Compensation: Starting pay is $20 per hour, not to exceed a total of $3,000. Interns are not eligible for benefits. This internship is hybrid, so a reliable internet connection is required when doing remote work.
The intern will work directly with the OSA Information & Events Associate, assisting with coordination and hosting of events, both in person and online.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
● Assisting with planning sessions for several events focused on organic systems, including:
- Varietal Showcase hosted by Culinary Breeding Network
- 50th Tilth Celebration Conference hosted by Oregon Tilth and Tilth Alliance of
Washington - Sagra del Radicchio and Winter Radish hosted by Culinary Breeding Network
- Organicology hosted by Organically Grown Company
Qualifications
Strong interpersonal skills in email communications, in person and over the phone.
Interest in community building and event coordination
Familiarity with organic farming and USDA’s Organic Standards.
Familiarity with Google workspace tools and Zoom.
Need to be a resident of Washington State.
Compensation: Starting pay is $20 per hour, not to exceed a total of $3,000. Interns are not
eligible for benefits. This internship is hybrid, so a reliable internet connection is required when
doing remote work.
Position Overview:
- Create original promotional materials for ASAN events
- Social media coordination to increase event turnout and online engagements
- Advise on overall communications strategy to increase membership and support for Alabama farmers
- Support with email, text communications, and potentially CRM recordkeeping
Desired Skills, Qualities, And Experience:
- Strong commitment to and enthusiasm for ASAN’s mission, vision, and core beliefs
- Experience creating unique images
- Experience with online promotion through Facebook, Instagram and email
- Familiarity with agriculture and growing
- Experience with increasing engagement and followers through social media
- Strong self-organizational skills
- Attention to detail
Position Overview
The Organic Farming Research Foundation is seeking a temporary remote Graduate intern to work an average of 10-15 hours per week for 10 weeks during the Fall 2024 semester (target start date mid-September). This opportunity is intended to support historically underserved and underrepresented students that are interested in exploring career pathways in the organic industry through paid internships.
The R&E Intern will support the development of research and educational materials for organic and transitioning-to-organic farmers; support the development of a new online research hub for organic farmers through identifying peer-reviewed relevant research, cataloging existing resources, and reviewing, organizing, and developing resources and outreach materials; and provide assistance on other research and education program work, such as the Farmer-Led Trials Program, as needed. The R&E Intern reports to the R&E Senior Scientist.
Position Overview
The Organic Farming Research Foundation is seeking a temporary remote intern to work an average of 10-15 hours per week for 10 weeks during the Fall 2024 semester (target start date mid-September). This opportunity is intended to support historically underserved and underrepresented students that are interested in exploring career pathways in the organic industry through paid internships.
The Policy & Communications Intern will support the development of outreach materials related to increasing access to technical and financial assistance for organic and transitioning-to-organic farmers; identify opportunities for farmers and researchers to build community and network with each other; and develop materials to help educate impacted communities about the importance of public investments into organic agriculture research. This internship may be altered depending on the candidate’s background and interests. The Policy & Communications Intern reports to the Policy and Programs Manager.
Past and Present Internship Hosts
