When Rachel made the leap into a farm apprenticeship, she knew it would be a big life change. What she didn’t anticipate was just how right it would feel.

“I can truly say that I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be right now,” she shared during her check-in with the BC Apprenticeship Coordinator at Young Agrarians, Kiyomi Ito. “The farm (and Powell River in general) is beautiful, and we’re growing so many vegetables!”

Rachel is apprenticing this season at Terra Nostra Farm, a small-scale organic farm nestled in Powell River, BC. Fueled by a desire to grow as much good food as they can for the local community, Terra Nostra grows a wide variety of vegetables for a bustling CSA program, weekly farmers’ markets, their farm store, and a few retail shops in town. For Rachel, it’s been special to see how excited the community is about fresh, organic produce.

Why apprentice?

Rachel’s interest in growing food goes back to her childhood spent helping her grandparents in their home garden in Alberta. Since then, she’s taken many paths that loop back to food and community, from facilitating a community garden program in Edmonton, to working at an organic grocer during the pandemic, to a weekend job slinging veggies at a farmers’ market in Vancouver.

“I’m drawn to the community aspect of the farmer-and-consumer relationship, along with the environmental impact of reducing the distance food has to travel,” she reflects. “And is there any doubt that it just tastes better?” 

Still, there was something missing: the hands-on production knowledge she craved. That’s what brought her to Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program and, ultimately, to Terra Nostra Farm.

Life on the Farm

Now midway through the season, Rachel is soaking up every opportunity to learn and laugh.

“I’m learning so much from everyone. Aaron has been a wonderful teacher, and the rest of the crew is always willing to answer my questions and show me how to do what needs to be done,” she says.

She works Monday to Friday from 8 to 5, and although the days are full, the rhythm of farm life is satisfying. “We’re in the thick of harvest season, and I love harvesting tomatoes and cucumbers. It always puts a smile on my face to see them growing in the greenhouse.”

Of course, it’s not always sunshine and sweet cherry tomatoes. “The first full day of rain was tough. Coming from Alberta, I’m not used to the wet BC weather. Working in the mud took some getting used to,” she admits. “But good rain gear helps a lot!”

Even the soggy moments come with a dose of humor. “Sometimes we’re watering transplants while it’s raining, it’s always good for a laugh, and totally worth it for the seedlings.”

Growing Food and Community

For Rachel, one of the biggest (and most wonderful) surprises has been the people she’s met.

“What I wasn’t expecting was how strong the sense of community would be, both on and off the farm. I feel really lucky to be part of such a tight-knit team. There are five of us working together, and it’s such a great group.”

As she looks ahead to the rest of the season, Rachel is eager to continue expanding her veggie growing knowledge and deepening her understanding of sustainable agricultural practices. 

“As someone passionate about local food systems, I hope to use the experience I gain this season to find my place as a food producer and community builder, ” something she’s been working on for a long time.

And in the meantime, she’s savoring each moment in the fields, one cucumber at a time.