Compost Teas: 24 hour, EM, IM, BD & fermented plant extracts

[Gaden AT ziplip.com <Gaden AT ziplip.com>]

Forwarded on behalf of Gil Carandang

Tropical Organic Agriculture Farm Apprenticeship Herbana Farms 6 Month 
Residential Position

Herbana Farms (Philippines), a tropical diversified organic farm specializing 
in the production of culinary and medicinal herbs, salad greens, Asian and 
specialty vegetables, cut flowers, natural  free-range chickens and tilapia 
aquaculture is currently accepting applications for our 2004-2005 six-month 
apprenticeship  on our newly set-up 10-acre organic production and 
demonstration farm.  Our farm focuses on organic production for the local 
farmers market and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), and serving as a 
training venue for organic farmers.  Our sustainable agriculture practices 
focus on Natural Farming technology using beneficial indigenous 
microorganisms, enzymes and biological nutrients, including Indigenous 
Knowledge, Biodynamics, French Intensive, Agroecology and Permaculture.

The farm is located on a 10-acre property with 4-acre dedicated to herb, 
vegetable and flower gardens.  The rest are intended for  production modules 
for natural free-range chickens, tilapia aquaculture and tropical fruit 
orchard.  Integrated to the farm is a Life Lab (organic educational garden 
for kids), solar showers, spas and sauna, including the community farm center 
where the kitchen and dining, restrooms, storage room and the farms 
apprentices quarters are located.  In the same area is our propagation, 
greenhouse, hoof house, hardening area and plant nursery.  There are four 
separate greenhouses where we grow mainly vegetables as protected from the 
rains.    Our schedule for this farm apprenticeship is from November to April 
which translates to a cooler to dry  time of the year.

We are about 30 miles south of Manila.  The farm is located on a slightly 
rolling and hilly elevation near the old sugar central of  Canlubang with 
panoramic views of Tagaytay Ridge (a major Philippine tourist destination), 
the famous Mt. Makiling and Laguna de Bay, Mt. Malarayat and Maculot of 
Batangas province.

As part of the Apprenticeship program, we encourage apprentices to 
participate on countryside tours and community immersions.  Currently,  we 
are working on community immersion  with indigenous peoples of  the famous 
rice terraces of northern Philippines.  You will have the chance to spend 
some time, living and working with the Ifugaos and Bontocs of the Mountain 
Province.  A local tour, two hours from the farm will bring the apprentices 
to the island resort of Puerto Galera, Mindoro known for its 23 dive sites  
scuba, snorkeling, including natural trekking and visit of the Mangyan 
(indigenous people) village of the island

Who May Apply

Prior gardening and farming experience is helpful but not necessary. However, 
a strong desire to learn and keen interest in hands-on gardening and farming 
is essential.  We are looking for self-motivated, self-starting people.  The 
Apprenticeship will involve all aspects of organic production including 
propagation and greenhouse work, watering, bed prep, composting, 
transplanting and sowing, weeding, harvesting and seed saving and processing, 
including related functions in the care and maintenance of our small 
livestock free-range chickens and tilapia aquaculture.  Physical stamina is 
necessary.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn practical skills that will develop 
for the use for the rest of your life!

Welcome to the tropical organic agriculture Apprenticehip at Herbana Farms!

For more information and application write or e-mail us:

Gil Carandang Herbana Farms Km. 59  Burol, Calamba City Laguna, Philippines

gil_carandang AT hotmail.com