Hsinchu Nature Farming Club Producer Training Now Open for Enrollment

We are a team of ordinary people who farm. At the call of teacher Zhan Wulong, we gathered at Ruanqiao in Zhudong, and in August 2012 we established the Hsinchu Natural Farming Club, farming with the Shu Ming natural farming method, hoping to gradually influence the produce upstream and downstream of the Touqian River, so that local consumers can obtain natural food and rebuild a pure hometown.

The Hsinchu Natural Farming Club is a producer training group sponsored by the Qing Tian Foundation, a foundation juridical person. Its purpose is to cultivate Shu Ming natural farming producers and to provide an environment where people who are intent on making farming their livelihood can learn the Shu Ming natural farming method. This is not a trial camp, but a place where you need to touch the soil with your own hands, experience nature with your heart, follow the seasons, and integrate farming into your life.

If you agree with our philosophy and are also determined to become a Shu Ming natural farming producer, you are welcome to join our ranks.

Quota: 2 women, 2 men
Enrollment period: from now until the quota is filled
The rules are as follows:

[Probation period]
1. The probation period is one month, during which an instructor will be arranged to lead you in farm work.
2. During the probation period, farm work hours are Monday to Friday (you may arrange Saturday and Sunday yourself).
3. During the probation period, rent and land rent are provided by the foundation, and water, electricity and gas are subsidized; meals are self-arranged.

[Trainee]
1. Those who pass the one-month probation period and are intent on staying to farm
2. The first half of the year after enrollment is as a trainee (2-6 months); at this stage a joint learning model is adopted, and the learning objectives are:
– Study the Shu Ming natural farming first- and second-level courses
– Learn the operation and use of basic farm machinery and tools
– Learn basic planting skills, field management, and field observation
3. Guaranteed income: not guaranteed

[Intern]
1. The second half of the year after enrollment is as an intern (7-12 months); at this stage an independent cultivation learning model is adopted
2. Interns may choose to have a field area under their own management, or may choose to intern at an independent farm operated by graduates under the club (no separate land allocation)
3. Guaranteed income: not guaranteed

[Other notes]
1. Must study the Shu Ming natural farming first- and second-level courses (free of charge)
2. The study period is one year, and the foundation provides housing, farmland, and necessary agricultural production equipment
3. Must farm full-time, and participate in the Tuesday evening team meeting, Wednesday joint work day, and related study courses
4. During the study period, follow the instructor’s plan and learn planting and related matters
5. After completing the course, you may choose to leave or stay in Ruanqiao to continue participating in the operation of the club, but you must bear the housing and land rent yourself.
6. Those who are not intent on farming during the study period will first have a heart-to-heart talk; those who still do not improve after the talk will be dismissed.
7. Those who are dismissed or withdraw midway must return the rent for the housing used.

****************************************
If you are interested, please reply with the following information
1. Name
2. Gender
3. Date of birth
4. Briefly describe your family situation and whether your family supports you
5. Briefly describe your motivation for farming and your future expectations
5. Financial situation, and whether you can endure 1-2 years of unstable income
6. Physical condition, and whether you have any major illness

Please send your letter to [email protected]