Permaculture/Agroforestry Internship

Permaculture/Agroforestry Internship-Maya Mountain Research Farm

General Description

Maya Mountain Research Farm is a registered non-governmental organization and working demonstration farm that promotes sustainable agriculture, appropriate technology and food security using permacultural principles and applied biodiversity. We cultivate hundreds of species in our established agroforestry system, a lush, productive tropical food forest. We are continuously building and fine tuning an agro-ecological system that conserves natural resources and supports the surrounding ecosystem in providing valuable ecological services such as carbon sequestration, soil and water retention, and the creation of wildlife habitat. MMRF also functions as a genetic seed bank for indigenous species. In addition, the farm acts as a research and training center open to farmers, interns, students, researchers, volunteers, NGOs/CBOs and hosts an annual Permaculture Design Course.

MMRF Internship Program

MMRF is an experiential learning center. Interns at MMRF have an opportunity to work in all aspects of running the farm. MMRF is an excellent place to learn about practical applications of permaculture principles and practices. Interns will have varied work, from gardening to work in the agroforestry system and are expected to work up to 6 hours a day, 6 days a week. MMRF will work with your university to help you get college credit for your time here. Our preference is for internships that last one month or longer, but will consider shorter internships that last a minimum of two weeks.

We encourage participation in our annual Permaculture Design Course (PDC), but interns and volunteers that come during other parts of the year will have the benefit of being involved in seminars, demonstrations and Q&A sessions that will cover some of the same principles and lessons. Some potential seminars and demonstrations include:

-Agroforestry -Permaculture Design Principles -Catastrophy and Rehabilitation (Erosion, Fire, Etc.) -Patterns in Nature and Design -Observation of Natural Systems/Reading a Landscape -Gardening & Composting -Food Security/Local Economy -Collapse of the Mayan Empire

Depending on seasonal availability, we can tailor your internship to garner specific knowledge of a particular aspect of certain plants (e.g. Cacao, Coffee, Vanilla) while still rooting your learning within the larger agroforestry system. We also encourage you to come with your own research/project ideas to focus upon while on the farm. We will support your initiatives as much as time and finances permit.

Daily life at MMRF and Activities

Life on the farm is demanding yet extremely rewarding. The work is often physical and dirty, insects are part of everyday life, and during the wet season it can get muddy.

Interns stay in one of our rustic rooms designed for two people, in clean houses powered by solar systems. During their stay, interns are part of our community and are expected to assist with the basics of running a farm. Interns take part in the preparation of daily communal meals and other tasks as necessary, including the farm's seasonal and daily chores, such as planting, gardening, clearing land, mucking pigs, chopping wood and gathering food.

Hikes to nearby Maya ruins and day visits to caves are possible. During your stay you can also to take part in educational plant tours, seasonal food preparation (jam making, bread making, pickling, wine making, etc.) and enjoy our pizza and movie nights.

General Qualities of a Good Intern/Volunteer

• Be ready for a remote, tropical lifestyle: You will be joining a small staff in a beautiful location. We are here to help and collaborate, but a positive, flexible and sensitive attitude towards the realities of nature and people will serve you well. • Be a team player. You can expect to be scheduled into meal plans and daily farm operations in addition to your particular areas of interest. We have a weekly breakfast meeting to negotiate all of these tasks as fairly as possible. Everyone should feel free to communicate their ideas and frustrations here and in general. • Don't be afraid to ask questions or join projects. Your time here will be infinitely more rewarding if you are open to inserting yourself into activities and asking where you can help out. Farm coordinators are here to help you integrate into the farm, but individual insertion and curiosity are key as well. • Remain substance free during your stay: We ask that during your time at Maya Mountain Research Farm, you abstain from drugs and alcohol while on the property. This keeps the farm running more smoothly as well as in accordance with Belizean law. • Keep your room and space clean. You'll be doing yourself a favor keeping bugs and rodents at bay!

Internship Cost What Your Fee Provides & Sustains

Internships at MMRF are considered short traineeships, whether in the basics of permaculture or as a unique space in which to conduct personal research. As such, they carry a fee of USD 200 a week, or USD 600 a month.

We believe that any price tag should be accompanied by an explanation of what that fee provides and sustains for interns at the farm. Your fee includes: • Your accommodation in a single or double room, with bedding and electricity powered by solar panels • All meals on the farm, made in large part from delicious seasonal produce • The supervision of both farm coordinators and manager on your primary topic of interest, or guidance to provide one

As a registered and working NGO, we receive few donations or grants, and are able to use income from intern fees for much of our activities. Your internship fee helps us provide weekly donations to an elderly feeding program in the neighboring Punta Gorda, solar energy and water pumping projects in neighboring communities, ability to provide bono training and the establishment of an aquaponics system.