Farm Fresh Rhode Island My spring internship

So far… This semester at Farm Fresh RI has been more intensive in many ways, while at the same time more relaxed. My duties as intern have expanded to include research and writing, as well as managing a table at the market, often alone. Also, outreach has increased on the local level to support the multiple workshops held throughout the month of March to support the Wednesday Farmer’s market.

Farm Tours I went on several tours of different Farms in Rhode Island and Connecticut. The most recent being Silverbrook Farm in Dartmouth Mass. I accompanied my supervisor Sarah Lester, and was responsible for taking notes. Later, I typed up a blog for the Farm Fresh website about that farm, which was edited and approved both by the farmer in question and my advisor.

Conferences I also have attended several conferences related to agriculture this semester, with my supervisor Sarah Lester. The most recent being the Women in Agriculture conference held at URI this past March. At the conference I took notes at several of the discussion boards and interacted with some of the speakers. Later, I did blog about it, much like for the farm tours, and sent it to my supervisor.

Wednesday’s Market At Wednesday’s market in Pawtucket I am responsible, with my supervisor, Sarah, for the welcome table. As with last semester, I dispense freshbucks, sell produce and other goods, write receipts for farmers, etc. The difference is that I have been alone at that table, when Sarah is busy, in charge of handling transactions.

Special Events Throughout the month of March, and sometime into April, FFRI hosted several events at the Wednesday winter Market, as a marketing strategy. There was a local wine tasting, kids art show, agriculture based Job Fair and CSA Fair, and many more. I promoted these events by local outreach in my community.

Summer, Outdoor Markets The last day of the indoor Farmer’s Market will be May 9th. Now begins the onrush and abundance of the outdoor markets, of which there are many. There are so many I wont bother to list them but do check out the Farm Fresh website for the market near you!

What’s next… Though my internship with Farm Fresh RI is about to end, my volunteering will not. I’ve offered my services for every Thursday at the Armory Outdoor Market. I will be in charge of distributing CSA shares in particular.

That’s all folks! I’ve had a great time at Farm Fresh. I’ve learned a lot working in a small office environment and in the larger, outside world of agriculture it has connected me with. I look back and wish I did more; but still I’m glad I did this internship.