Future Farmers Internship

Sustainable farming is one of the keys to global social and ecological recovery. Everdale's Future Farmers Internship program is a practical and educational program designed to provide a base for a career in organic farming. We are looking for people who want to work and learn on our farm and learning centre for several months. This is not a "job". This is an experience that will lay the foundation for your future small-farm, environmental or food-related career.

You'll receive hands-on field experience. But the way we see it, that's only part of what you need. You’ll also get seminar and field trip training on a weekly basis. And you’ll learn how to teach some our educational programs (workshops, tours, school groups). On top of all that our farm includes an amazing variety of crops and livestock so you’ll get experience with a multitude of farming techniques.

We’re serious about launching new farmers. Since 2000, we have worked to build one of the best farming internships in Canada. We have graduated more than 30 people. Over 75% of these are now farming.

Our farm

As an intern you will be heavily involved with the operation of our farm. We have 150 acres of certified organic land including 15 acres of vegetables and 20 acres of grain. We raise poultry, pigs, sheep, other farm animals and bees.We also grow certified organic seeds in partnership with Seeds of Diversity Canada. We sell farm produce locally (200-member CSA, farm store) and in urban areas. 

Learning Days

Interns go on over 30 field trips/seminars over the course of the season.These cover a wide range of farming operations and skills related to farming. (See below for a list of field trips and seminars offered in 2005.) Everdale is a part of CRAFT, the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training so 7 of our 30 field trips are to other CRAFT farms.

Areas of Emphasis

You will have the opportunity to specialize in areas of the farm that interest you, or may choose to work with our school and public education programs. Areas of emphasis vary from year to year but in the past have included seed saving, poultry, machinery maintenance, school groups and beekeeping.

Our Expectations

Interns need to be prepared for a very challenging experience, and be ready to take on a significant degree of responsibility on a farm that grows a lot of food! Farming can be stressful, monotonous, physically and mentally demanding, and Everdale is a busy place with more than 3,000 visitors coming to the learning centre each season. As a result, you will learn a lot during your time here. Our Future Farmers graduates typically go on to start their own farms. 

Stipend & More

Interns receive a small stipend, free room and board, and much training and knowledge. We are looking for those able to stay for the full season (April to November) but are willing to consider shorter and longer stays.

To Apply

Applications are accepted year-round. Send an e-mail to Gavin Dandy with your resume, three reference contacts, and a brief letter explaining what you hope to get out of the internship and the duration of your availability.