Internships in Italy

 Spannocchia is a multi-faceted agricultural estate set in the gorgeous Tuscan hills and Alto Mersa Nature Reserve in Italy, 12 miles southwest of Siena. Spannocchia preserves an ancient form of life in Tuscany that is based on community, respect for tradition, and a responsible use of resources. Our primary mission is for the estate to serve as an international model and education center for sustainable practices. We believe sharing our knowledge is just as important as preserving and protecting our natural environment. 

We are pleased to share upcoming opportunities to live, work, and learn on our diversified, community-oriented organic farm. Applications for the following programs are now being accepted—please help us spread the word about these unique opportunities! (PDF with this information is attached for easier circulation. Thank you!)

Winter Farm Volunteers: Join us for a quieter time of year at Spannocchia. Each winter, we accept four volunteers to live and work on the farm from December through February, with a focus on animal care and upkeep of the vineyards and olive groves. Responsibilities also include rotating chores to help maintain the farm property.

• One winter farm volunteer session will be held from December 1, 2023 – February 23, 2024.
• Application Deadline: THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22!
• For more detailed information and to apply, please visit our website: https://www.spannocchia.org/volunteer/ 

Farm Internships: For over 25 years, Spannocchia’s farm internship program has been dedicated to enriching lives by providing participants with a unique educational experience on a community-oriented organic farm in Tuscany, Italy. Through involvement in the daily operations of Spannocchia as well as additional enrichment activities, interns learn about regenerative farming and animal care, conservation, maintenance and restoration, Italian language, and local cultural history. Interns come from all over the world, and many go on to have fulfilling careers in sustainable farming, food, or environmental fields.

• Three 3-month internship sessions are held annually (Spring, Summer, and Fall), with eight interns accepted for each session. We are currently accepting applications for all 2024 sessions.
• Interns work alongside our Italian farm staff to help run the farm, and they also spend a portion of their time participating in various planned educational activities, including topical presentations, field trips, and Italian classes.
• Interns range in age and life experience, but must be between 18 and 35 years old during their session.
• Please note: Scholarship funding is available on the basis of need. Interested candidates for whom the internship fee would be a barrier are strongly encouraged to apply. See our website for more information!
• For detailed information, session dates and deadlines, and to apply, please visit our website: https://www.spannocchia.org/internships/

Butcher Apprenticeships: Spannocchia accepts eight butcher apprentices each year, between Sept-May. Apprentices go through training by working alongside our butcher to learn all aspects of creating our award-winning artisanal salumi. Butcher apprentices will be exposed to all phases of production, from slaughter to the meat curing process.   

• Eight 3-month apprenticeships are being held in 2023-2024. We are currently accepting applications for Sessions 7 and 8, which run from Feb/March through May 2024. (Sessions 1-6 have already been filled.)
• Application Deadline: Friday, November 24, 2023.
• For more detailed information and to apply, please visit our website: https://www.spannocchia.org/apprenticeships/ 

We also run a Culinary Apprenticeship program each year between the spring through the fall. 2024 session dates and application details will be released shortly. More information on this opportunity can be found on our website.

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply for these opportunities. We commit to ensure that all individuals are treated equitably, to recognize the value of a diverse intern group, and to welcome the unique perspective and life experience that each individual brings to our programs.