Fort Hill Farm is a 20 acre farm in the hills of northwestern Connecticut producing certified organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Our markets include a 400 share CSA, one farmers market, and wholesale accounts. The farm is leased from Sunny Valley Preserve, a project of The Nature Conservancy, which consists of nine farms and bordering woodlands. The farm cultivates about 18 acres of vegetable and cover crops. In addition, we have three greenhouses for production of transplants and in-soil tomato production. The farm is certified organic, and uses a broad range of biological farming approaches such as extensive use of cover crops and on-farm composting. We use machinery for most tillage and many planting, cultivating, and harvesting operations and train apprentices in the use of this equipment. The farm is located near town, with quick access to many great hiking and canoeing opportunities in northwestern Connecticut.


Three full season apprenticeships are available at the farm each growing season, from the first Monday in April through the Friday before Thanksgiving. Applications are accepted year round, fall is a great time to apply. Apprentices participate in all aspects of crop production, including planting, cultivating, harvesting, market sales, and CSA distribution. Practical training in organic crop and overall farm management is offered, as well as training in tractor operation and maintenance. My goal is to give apprentices the opportunity to learn the skills they will need to manage their own farm. In addition, Fort Hill Farm is a member of CRAFT of Western Connecticut. Apprentices will have the opportunity for monthly visits to area farms to tour the farm and hear about that farmer’s area of expertise (see http://www.bloomingfieldsfarm.com/cft_frameindex.html for more info).


Previous farm experience is helpful but not essential. What is essential is a desire and ability to do outdoor, physical work in all kinds of weather, a sincere interest in farming, and a desire to learn more about it. Work schedule is five and a half days a week, 45 to 50 hours per week, with one week paid vacation. Compensation includes a private room in a separate, modern, farm crew house, farm produce and eggs, and $1000 monthly stipend, paid biweekly. Apprentices are eligible for a $100 a month raises in July and September, and receive a $1000 year end bonus upon completion of the full season. To apply, please send a resume and a letter of intent to Paul Bucciaglia, Fort Hill Farm, 18 Fort Hill Rd., New Milford, CT 06776, or email to pbucciaglia@yahoo.com. For more information email pbucciaglia@yahoo.com or see www.forthillfarm.com