Natural Farming Internship at Mauna Kea Tea

Masanobu Fukuoka Natural Farming

We believe the natural farm to be an ultimately self-sustaining ecosystem. Natural farming fields use completely natural approach to farming with no fertilizers and no pesticides neither organic, manure based, nor conventional, we learn from soil in its pure form and use only natural means (weeds, cover crops, and mulch) to increase fertility. That’s it.

Organic Farming

Our organic fields use mix of organic field management and natural farming techniques like cover crop and mulch to maximize organic production while maintaining natural balance.

We encourage experiential learning through actually doing the field work and assist your learning by offering books and specific tasks. Some of our past participants say that as you develop your keen senses, you will gain knowledge and insight on how the natural system increases in fertility by the natural means. This requires time and commitment. We emphasize cultivating humble and pure minds to observe the environment through nature-centered farming.

Accommodation

Facilities consist of: minimalist shared building with limited solar power, private hot outdoor shower, squatting outhouse, and private garden space for your vegetables. We provide tea and a small stipend for foods. You must provide your own towels and bedding but the kitchen and cabin are set up for a comfortable stay.

Work tasks

Work tasks include, weeding, harvesting, applying weed mat, and possibly packaging and general assistance. You may also be asked to, based on your particular skill and interest, to give other administrative assistance or facility maintenance.

Available Positions / Good Candidates

***Farming Experience Required***

We accept interns year round. We have an intimate community of 2-4 interns at once, sharing a small community building. Good candidates are those who are responsible and committed to learning and caring for plants and farm environment, being able to work independently, sometimes with other staff members and interns. Interns receive grocery stipend after a trial period of 2 weeks.

In off time many people hitchhike to spend weekends in the sun. Waipio Valley is 30 minutes from home, Kohala Coast Beaches, 45 min. Honoka’a town is 5 miles. Also see us on facebook, twitter and our blog.

Applying for Internship position

Please email the following information to [tsusm mailto=”info@maunakeatea.com” txt=”info@maunakeatea.com”].

  • Name
  • Age
  • Address
  • Phone #
  • Email address
  • WWOOF ID (if you have one)
  • Date of arrival and length of stay (1 month minimum)
  • Where did you hear about us?
  • Background education
  • Job experience
  • Farm and garden experience, and what you learned from it
  • Interest / Hobby
  • References (at least past 2 farms or if you worked at 1 farm for a long period of time)