Hsinchu Natural Farming Club Producer Training Program Third Cohort Enrollment

"I want to find one person, to farm one field."

Two and a half years ago, Teacher Wu Long used these ten words to draw in the two of us as a couple, and at the same time attracted 5 other partners from all directions, and together we began a life of farming with Shumei Natural Farming. Thus the "Hsinchu Natural Farming Club" was born.

Not making money is the impression agriculture gives people. When we first stepped into this industry, we were full of expectations for Shumei Natural Farming, yet like other seniors we also felt fearful about the future. Rent, land rent, and farm machinery and tools were all expenses, not to mention that for beginners growing vegetables with Shumei Natural Farming was like an old woman giving birth - you fight hard but may not necessarily produce anything. How unstable the vegetable yields are, the trial-sale members who quietly supported us know best! Can we really make a full-time living farming with Shumei Natural Farming??? (Because I get asked this often, I used 3 question marks)

In order to let everyone learn with peace of mind and devote themselves fully to farming in the early days, the teacher sought the support and sponsorship of Brother Ke, and the Qing Tian Foundation was thus established, becoming the greatest pillar of the Hsinchu Natural Farming Club. Two and a half years passed in the blink of an eye. Everyone learned through groping along the way. During this period some people joined and some left. A 2.5-fen vegetable garden was not enough, so another 2.5-fen rice paddy was added. Later Xiao La joined and brought a draft ox to plow the fields. Right after that another 6-fen vegetable garden came, keeping the small farmers so busy in the fields every day that they were spinning in circles. The club started out sponsoring small farmers, and all along transformed into a school to keep recruiting new blood, and the sales model was also constantly adjusted and changed...

Just how far is the distance between dream and reality? Over more than two years, many things happened that were not expected, yet they wonderfully moved the life blueprints of the club and the small farmers. In my view it is growth - perhaps not yet mature, but the future is promising. We truly still cannot promise how long it will take for the small farmers to earn money they can rely on to make a living, nor do we know how long we must wait to see agricultural product prices reasonably reflect their value. What the club can do is aim to cultivate more full-time farming talent, so that more people use the environmentally friendly Shumei Natural Farming method to produce more healthy ingredients, and further do their part for the earth and for nature.

"We want to find a group of people, to farm many fields."

You, are you willing to become one of them?

[Hsinchu Natural Farming Club Producer Training Third Term Enrollment]

The Hsinchu Natural Farming Club is a producer training group sponsored by the Qing Tian Foundation. Its purpose is to cultivate Shumei Natural Farming producers and provide an environment for those who have the heart to make farming their livelihood to learn Shumei Natural Farming. This is not an experience camp, but a place where you need to touch the soil with your own hands, experience nature with your heart, follow the heavens and respond to the seasons, and integrate farming into life.

If you agree with our philosophy and also aspire to become a Shumei Natural Farming producer, you are welcome to join our ranks.

Quota: 4 people
Enrollment period: from now until the end of February
Reporting time: before March 2015
The rules are as follows:

[Trial period]
1. The trial period is one month, during which an instructor will be arranged to lead participation in farming work.
2. During the trial period, farming hours are Monday to Friday (Saturdays and Sundays can be arranged on your own).
3. During the trial period, rent and land rent are provided by the foundation, along with subsidies for water, electricity, and gas; meals are self-arranged.

[Trainee]
1. Those who pass the one-month trial period and have the heart to stay and farm.
2. In the first half year after enrollment, one is a trainee. This stage adopts a joint learning model, with learning goals as follows:
- Take Shumei Natural Farming Level 1 and Level 2 courses (required courses, free of charge).
- Learn basic operation and use of farm machinery and tools.
- Learn basic planting skills, field management, and field observation.
- Take turns learning at each intern's field area, and participate in the planting management of the self-sufficient field area.
3. Income: none.

[Intern]
1. In the second half year after enrollment, one is an intern. This stage adopts an independent cultivation learning model, and one may have a field area under one's own management, and participate in the planting management of the self-sufficient field area.
2. Income: based on the individual's actual agricultural output and sales amount.

[Other notes]
1. The study period is one year. The foundation provides housing, farmland, and necessary agricultural production equipment.
2. One must farm full-time, and participate in Tuesday morning field observation, Wednesday joint work day, and related study courses.
3. During the study period, follow the instructor's plans and learn planting and other related matters.
4. During the study period, those with no heart to farm will first have a talk; those who still do not improve after the talk will be dismissed.
5. Those who are dismissed or withdraw midway must return the rent used.

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If interested, please reply with the following information
1. Name
2. Gender
3. Date of birth
4. Brief description of family situation, whether family members support it
5. Brief description of motivation for wanting to farm and future expectations
5. Economic situation, whether you can endure 1 to 2 years of unstable income
6. Physical condition, whether you have any major illness

Please send letters to [email protected]

Natural Small Farmer/Rain :)