Emma is an organic grower with a background in environmental science stemming from a fascination with the natural world. She has progressed from voluntary work to pursuing this as a vocation. Her QEST Apprenticeship is giving her the chance to deepen her study and pursue a long-term career working in organic food production.
There has recently been a resurgence of interest in ‘craft’ food growing (small-scale production based around natural methods), following a gradual decline over previous decades which led to a ‘skill gap’ in the number of practitioners. Emma’s apprenticeship will make a contribution towards closing that gap, and to the revival of craft market gardening in the UK.
QEST funding has enabled Emma to work for an extra day per week over a longer time frame at OrganicLea, enabling extended study and further expansion of skills, in addition to providing a budget for tools, equipment, and training.
