Frequently Asked Questions
Check out commonly asked questions Fellowship below. If you still have more questions, just let us know.
APPLication
When can I apply?
Applications for this year's Fellowship are currently closed. Email us if you want a reminder when applications are released next year!
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What is the application like and where do I apply?
To help us get to know you, the online application includes some basic questions about you, a personal statement, a resume, and contact information for three professional references. Portfolio pieces are also strongly encouraged to help us get to know you better!
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What's the application process? When are applications due?
Applications are submitted online and there is a virtual interview process. In-person farm tours are optional but encouraged. Applications are reviewed when complete in the order received. In 2023, the timelie was:
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Feb 1- Applications Open
March 1 - Applications Due
March - Interviews
April 5 - Decisions sent to all applications
May 1 - Farm Fellowship Begins
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What kind of Fellow are you looking for? Do I need to be a farming expert to apply?
Ideal applicants should be seriously pursuing small-scale farming and planning to apply what they learn in a meaningful way. While extensive farming experience is not required, we strongly recommend applicants have some prior experience in gardening/farming prior to applying.
Farming is physical - applicants must be interested in participating in physical work, including repetitive tasks that require you to be on your feet all day, lifting 50 lbs, using hands, wrists, knees, and back continuously, and working in all weather conditions including rain, heat, and cold.
We know that diverse teams are stronger and we appreciate that AMI Fellows come from a variety of backgrounds, with a variety of experiences. A key part of Fellowship learning is the skill and experience sharing across the cohort.
May I bring my spouse, partner, or another family member?
Usually, the campus is open to visitors on most weekends but Fellow guests are not permitted to stay on the Allegheny Farm campus with their Fellow during the workweek.
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I have a partner – can we apply together?
Partners are welcome to apply and are considered on an individual basis. There is the possibility that one person might be invited without the other.
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Does AMI provide health insurance?
AMI provides accident coverage during the Farm Fellowship but does not provide health insurance.
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Are pets or emotional support animals allowed?
Due to our farm animals, facilities, and the communal nature of the experience, Fellows are not permitted to bring pets or emotional support animals.
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Can I start the program after the start date?
Unfortunately, all Fellows must be on-site on our start date (May 1, 2023) due to the importance of the start of the farm season and training received during orientation.
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I'm not from the U.S. Can I still apply?
At this time, AMI is unable to sponsor international applicants. International applicants must supply their own visa and may work with organizations such as World Wide Farmers Exchange for visa arrangements if they are offered to be a part of the Fellowship.
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Does AMI fund my travel to get there?
Applicants with financial needs are encouraged to apply for scholarship funds to offset gear purchases or travel to the Fellowship as part of their application. AMI does not currently reimburse Fellows for travel expenses for interviews or to move to the Allegheny Farm. AMI staff will make a good faith effort to help coordinate rides to the farm from local airports as able.
Farm Fellowship
What will I learn?
Through hands-on experience, workshops, field trips, and training, Farm Fellows will learn:
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Organic methods for fruit and vegetable production
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Rotational grazing and livestock management
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Poultry care and harvesting
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Soil building, composting, and carbon sequestration
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Market Farming
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Beekeeping
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Mushroom Cultivation
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Food Preservation
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Whole-foods cooking
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Wildcrafting and herbalism
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Business skills
Where will I live?
Farm Fellows live atop the Allegheny Mountain, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Moneton, Monacan, and Manahoac Peoples. As Fellows grow most of their own food, drink fresh spring water, and enjoy the surrounding fields and forests, we respectfully acknowledge that Indigenous inhabitants have stewarded this land throughout the generations.
The rural Allegheny Farm is set on hundreds of acres in what is now known as Highland County, VA. Fellows live in the Lodge, a shared-use building that includes semi-private bedrooms, commercial-style kitchen, living area, office, and library. The campus includes additional cabins that may house program guests. View our campus map.
The farm is bordered by both the Monongahela and George Washington National Forests, providing ample space to explore and wander. Off the mountain, Fellows are welcomed into a rich Appalachian culture and the close-knit surrounding community. Just 30 minutes away, the town of Monterey offers a full Farmer's Market, restaurants, and community events throughout the summer.
What will I eat?
AMI provides Fellows with abundant farm-grown vegetables, some fruit, preserved goods, and limited amounts of eggs, beef and chicken. AMI also provides whole food staples such as flour, rice, milk, cheese, oil at the beginning of the Fellowship and provides a monthly pantry budget for Fellows to make needed pantry purchases after orientation. Fellows prepare their own lunches and are encouraged to prepare dinner communally on rotation.
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What’s the daily schedule like?
Fellows spend most of their time gaining hands-on experience working on the farm. The program day typically runs from 8 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend activities on Saturdays and Sundays. Fellows participate in a variety of workshops, farm tours, and internal educational sessions on Wednesdays. Up to two Fellows participate in the Farmers Market on Friday afternoons. Cooking and additional farm and cleaning chores rotate among the Fellows. Chores, blogs, and personal learning pursuits often occur after hours.
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Are vaccinations required?
AMI requires all Fellows to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Covid-19 (booster shots not required). In addition, a Tuberculin test is needed before the Fellowship begins.
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ALUMNI
What do AMI Fellows go on to do after the Fellowship?
AMI's Fellowship helps participants clarify their interest in the farm-to-fork system through a broad exposure to many different topics. Just a few of the things AMI alumni have gone on to do include: founding a Permaculture Institute, developing farms and farming programs, managing gardens for a non-profit seed company, and furthering their education. Read more about AMI alumni.
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How does AMI support alumni?
AMI shares job postings, professional development opportunities, and regular updates with alumni. AMI also holds a reunion every other year for Fellows to connect with the larger network of Fellows.
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Can I talk to someone who's done the Fellowship?
We're happy to connect you with our alumni to learn more about their experiences. Just let us know!