As a seasoned farmer that came up through the internship model, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of finding good farmer mentors for individuals looking for agricultural education.  The experience gained through working a season on the functional farm can propel a new farmer further and faster than any other model I’ve witnessed. Golden Foods APS is an innovative and organized program that offers new farmers placement, support, and perhaps the best opportunity for a well-rounded hands-on education in the country.  RFC has taken the time to plugin with some of the best family-scale farms and farmers in Oregon…this is an awesome opportunity to ‘break’ into agriculture and arrive in a supportive community.  I continue to be impressed with their evolving model.