Looking for a farming apprenticeship in BC? Check out One Love Farm in Lillooet, BC!
About One Love Farm
Our farm is located on a very scenic and rural Mountain Bench in the rugged Fraser Canyon. We are located twenty minutes from the town of Lillooet, B.C. Town offers an organic sourdough bakery, a well-stocked grocery store and a health food store. We are in a rain shadow but have access to pure gravity fed mountain spring water; providing great conditions for growing and working in.
We farm with respect for the land, environment and our customers by only using organic and sustainable growing methods. We take pride in growing and providing high quality food suitable for fresh markets.
We do not believe in using synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. We try to minimize the amount of plastic we produce with the use of soil blockers for propogation. We operate as a small-scale intensive farm producing vegetables, herbs and flowers for the local, Vancouver and Fraser Valley populations and farmer’s markets.
Machinery used: We use a small tractor with attachments along with a walk-behind tractor and other implements.
Products made: We grow fresh market vegetables and some flowers and sell directly at local and Vancouver Farmer’s Markets.
Desired Qualities
We are looking for a full commitment to the full length of the internship and its requirements. We enjoy teaching others and hope to provide a positive, meaningful and practical opportunity for those interested in learning about organic farming.
Interns must be able to pay discerning attention to quality control when washing vegetables and preparing food orders. It is also important that they can take and follow direction well and with discernment; in that, they are willing to ask for clarification when required.
We are looking for individuals who can work collaboratively and respectfully with others and maintain a positive attitude. Although we will aim to provide a well-rounded teaching experience, interns need to be able to handle the physical and sometimes repetitive work required in farming: harvesting, weeding and planting etc.
Lastly, we are a family operation; therefore, it is important that apprentices understand the farm seeks to be a peaceful environment free from excessive partying, noise or negativity.
Job Tasks
The work to be performed and the skills to be learned by an apprentice: Soil block making, planting of seeds, transplanting, irrigating, weeding, harvesting and washing and weighing, quality control, putting orders together and attending some farmer’s markets.
Job Details
Duration: April 1st to October 1st 2019.
Weekly hours: 45 hours / week
Stipend: Yes. Full Room and Board are included along with the weekly stipend of $200-$300 depending on experience, skill and speed.
Accommodation
Although not required, we encourage interns to come visit the farm in order to ensure they are committed to the full term of the internship.
Full Room and Board are included along with the weekly stipend of $200-$300 depending on experience, skill and speed.
Interns will be responsible for their own breakfast and evening meal preparations based on the vegan food provided; however, lunches will be communal. Farm residents will take turns preparing lunch and cleaning up. There will be a common kitchen, bathroom with shower and lounge area for interns and employees, located on the bottom floor of the farm house.
Interns are responsible for any additional dietary requirements and preparations: specific snacks and meat/dairy.
Overall, we can easily adapt to any dietary restrictions: for example, gluten free etc.
Education
We will provide a combination and variety of learning experiences working both along side us, with other interns/employees and independently once given direction/demonstration of tasks at hand.
Our full time farmer is our best resource in our on-site farming community. He is eager to share his farming practices and will provide one-on-one learning opportunities through demonstrations and discussions on site.
Interns will learn about many different aspects to operating a small-scale intensive market farm. Interns are also welcome to read from our small library of books on organic farming. In our community, there are two wineries. Down the road is a certified organic Ranch which farm in sustainable ways.
Learning Resources
We will provide a combination and variety of learning experiences working both along side us, with other interns/employees and independently once given direction/demonstration of tasks at hand.
Our full time farmer is our best resource in our on-site farming community. He is eager to share his farming practices and will provide one-on-one learning opportunities through demonstrations and discussions on site.
Interns will learn about many different aspects to operating a small-scale intensive market farm. Interns are also welcome to read from our small library of books on organic farming. In our community, there are two wineries. Down the road is a certified organic Ranch that farms in sustainable ways.
To Apply
Please include personal, professional and past rental references. A brief introduction and explanation of your reasons for applying and goals will help us ascertain if you are a good fit for our program. We are looking for serious inquiries that are willing to commit to the entire duration of our program.
Please send applications to Chris at onelovefarm.lillooet@gmail.com.
We look forward to sharing the beauty and special growing climate of this place with you.
Learn More About One Love Farm
Website: www.onelovefarm.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/eatlocalorganic
Instagram: @onelove.farm