Indian Valley Campus' Gardeners Get Real-World Experience with West Marin Farm

College of Marin students are getting an opportunity to get hands-on instruction in organic farming.

The college, which has an organic farming program at its Indian Valley Campus in Novato, is teaming up with the Fresh Run Farm in Bolinas on an apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction with paid farming positions on the 22.5-acre farm.

The apprenticeship program includes 1,800 hours of hands-on training and 11 courses of related instruction at the College of Marin.

Officials say it's the nation's first organic farming and gardening apprenticeship program.

Two students are already enrolled in the two-year apprenticeship program, said Krisann Chasarik, communications specialist with the Department of Industrial Relations.

The department's Division of Apprenticeship Standards is a partner in the program. The Organic Farming and Gardening Apprenticeship Program is one of 611 active apprenticeship programs recognized by the division.

A ceremony marking the program's approval was held Thursday at the College of Marin's Indian Valley Campus; rain forced it indoors instead of at the school's organic farm and garden.

College of Marin Superintendent and President Dr. David Wain Coon said the Indian Valley Organic Farm and Garden represents the county's "three E's of sustainability - the environment, the economy and social equity.

"The farm promotes a healthy environment, strong local economy, and helps achieve social equity through education. This partnership is truly something to celebrate," Coon said in a statement.

Students working on Peter Martinelli's Fresh Run Farm on Horseshoe Hill Road in Bolinas will learn progressive, responsible farming practices including landscape ecology, composting and fertility management.

The all-organic fruit and vegetable farm, located at Paradise Valley Ranch, was established in 2002. It also uses 16 Spanish goats for brush management.

The students will earn $7.20 an hour working on the farm for the first six months, Chasarik said.

Martinelli's produce is sold at farmers' markets, the Bolinas People's Store, Golden Point Produce and Toby's Feed Barn in Point Reyes Station.

The classroom instruction includes the business side of farming, with studies in marketing and organic certification.

Marin County has 23 registered organic producers that farm 810 acres of land, Chasarik said.

— Bay City News Service