Interest in becoming a farmer is hard to find these days. But for the people who want to join the farming community, this legislative session offers some permanence to a program that helps young people learn the ropes.

SSB 5156, a farm internship bill, would advance the notion of learning how to farm with real-world experience from a “pilot” program to a bona fide permanent state program. The bill would allow farmers to hire up to three interns and would require the farmer to teach interns the skills they need to run a farm. 

There are several recognized barriers to people unfamiliar with farming to finding their way to success in the agricultural business. Among the most difficult is the cost of land and equipment and gaining experience before taking the plunge. Obviously, an internship cannot provide land or equipment, but the the training it provides can make it easier to convince a lender to take a risk on a young would-be farmer. Similarly, having an idea of what to expect before the first seed is planted, helps new farmer prepare for what can happen.

The proposed bill requires interested farmers to submit a learning plan to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.  The plan must include the type of work an intern will do, the duration of the internship, what pay, if any, is provided, and the number of workers employed by the farm. 

If the plan is approved, the farmer must also encourage interns to apply to a vocational or agriculture program at a community college, technical school, or university. The goal is to give potential farmers the opportunity to learn from people with real-world experience.

The need for people to carry on local food production becomes more pressing every day. Programs like the farm internship program make entry into the agricultural community easier and for young people to make a career of relieving hunger by growing healthy, nutritional food for others.