After the conference at Cirencester in December, several growers (in conjunction with the Soil Association, HDRA and Organic Inform) set out to try and create a new form of apprenticeship, based on organic holdings, where apprentices can learn the craft of organic growing from the inside out. The final pieces of this scheme are almost in place - it will be a 2-year scheme with the grower giving a small amount of their own time each week to coach apprentices through the complexities of growing organically. There will also be a total of 16 seminars over the 2 years including all the key areas such as soil management, plant raising, pest and diseases, machinery, irrigation, and compost -taught by established growers and experts in the organic field. We also hope there will be a degree of cultural and social interactivity between apprentices from different holdings. We are hoping to attract between 12-15 apprentices to begin with. This may then lead into farming and processing apprenticeships in the longer term. If any growers would like to know more please ring Pete Richardson on 07821403739.