Call of the Land: Urgent Recruitment before the 1st

At the same time, we have observed that many newcomers to ecological farming are still repeating these inefficient mistakes. To some extent, this hinders the industry’s development, discourages young people from entering the field, and even damages the reputation of ecological agriculture.

Through our reports, we have found that those who gained experience working or studying at established farms before starting their own ventures were able to avoid many pitfalls and often reached a break-even point—or even turned a profit—much faster. Indeed, losing money or failing to make a profit is the current reality for the majority of ecological farms in China.

In response, the Foodthink Lianhe Initiative launched the “Ecological Agriculture Internship Programme” in 2021. It aims to support both aspiring young ecological farmers and established farms, allowing the youth to master farming knowledge and techniques through practice while ensuring that the wisdom of veteran farmers is summarised and passed on. Simultaneously, the programme provides farms with high-quality talent and injects new vitality into rural communities.

To date, two recruitment cycles have been completed, supporting over 40 partners in internships lasting from two months to a year across more than 10 ecological farms nationwide. The second cohort of interns “graduated” at the end of 2023.

Recruitment for interns and host farms for Phase 3 is now open.

If you are interested in ecological agriculture and wish to master farming knowledge and techniques, or if you are concerned with agricultural issues and hope to explore the possibilities of environmentally friendly and sustainable rural development through practice, we welcome you to apply for Phase 3 of the Ecological Agriculture Internship Programme!

If your farm is willing to take on interns, you are also welcome to apply to become a farm mentor. The application link can be found at the end of this article.

If you simply wish to learn more about ecological farming techniques, please participate in Foodthink’s Ecological Agriculture Technical Needs Survey.

Before applying, let us take a look at the experiences of the Phase 2 interns over the past year.

Some interns moved from the city into rural society and discovered that “the farm is like one big family,” and that they “met so many lovely people; I don’t know where else I could find such a ‘paradise’.” One intern worked hard selling melons at a farm previously visited by Hu Ge and Liu Tao; when the melons wouldn’t sell, they simply enjoyed eating as much watermelon as they liked. Others made coffee in containers during the sweltering heat, repeatedly reminding customers to sort their rubbish. They looked after children on study tours, camped during desert treks, and spent entire nights in deep conversation around the campfire.

The friendships forged through ecological agriculture will continue to nourish them in the days to come.

Some interns truly experienced the toil of farming—face to the soil, back to the sun. This shattered their romanticised notions of agriculture and gave them a real sense of the hardships farmers endure, which in turn strengthened their resolve to pursue ecological farming in the future.

Some participants found their internships sparking a series of reflections on agroecology:

“Environmental and inequality issues caused by agriculture are dilemmas rooted in overarching social structures—political, economic, educational, historical, and cultural. As individuals, how should we understand and address such complex challenges?”

“In modern society, simply farming the land is no longer sustainable; you also need effective marketing and service. But how exactly do you go about that?”

The farms that hosted the interns also spoke very highly of the programme.

“From being terrified of a single flea to rolling around in the grass; from fearing mice and crying at the sight of a snake to daring to live halfway up a mountain without us by their side; from being unwilling to cook to being forced to take turns managing the weekly meals… through all the bittersweet moments and every conceivable emotion, I believe they have tasted it all!” — Yan Ping, Xingfu Guo Baicaoyuan, Guigang, Guangxi

“The interns all shared a passion for agroecology, participating diligently and reflecting deeply. While they may not have been naturally adept at the actual farm work and felt confused at times, I believe this internship has provided them with a unique life experience. It has given them a more direct understanding and insight into agroecology, rural life, and family farms.” — Tang Liang, Liangliang Farm, Chengdu, Sichuan

What will the farms and farm mentors provide?

• Practical Learning and Professional Guidance: Guidance on planting techniques, machinery operation, marketing, and farm management, based on the intern’s interests and the farm’s actual needs. Interns can participate in diverse tasks such as planting, market promotion, hosting farm activities, and daily maintenance, experiencing farm life while learning the techniques and management of ecological agriculture.
• Research and Innovation: Opportunities to participate in farm research projects, such as soil improvement, protection of heirloom varieties, and biodiversity research, as well as the design and organisation of natural education and study activities.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities to interact with the local community through activities such as cooperative operations, learning how agriculture functions within rural communities.
• Personal Growth: Accumulating agricultural experience, enhancing life skills, learning self-sufficiency in a rural environment, and meeting friends from various fields and backgrounds.

We are looking for interns who:

• Can commit to living full-time on a farm for at least 3 months, dedicating at least 5 days per week;
• Can participate in online collaborative learning sessions every two weeks and actively engage in the daily intern community;
• Possess an open mind and a willingness to learn from nature and farmers;
• Have a hardworking spirit, can engage in physical labour on the farm, and assist with other farm duties;
• Keep detailed internship records and submit a summary upon completion.

Internship Cycle

Farm Recruitment

Most of the farm mentors who participated in the internship programme in 2022 and 2023 are willing to continue hosting interns. These farms practice the production principles of ecological agriculture; while their operational focuses vary, they have accumulated valuable experience in farm management, production techniques, and sales. We also welcome more farms to join us.

If your ecological farm has developed over time and you wish to bring in new blood, increase vitality, and help young people grow, we invite you to scan the QR code at the end of this article to apply to host interns. We will communicate with you further and decide whether to designate your farm as a recommended internship site after a field visit.

The following farms have already joined the internship programme:

01 Yinlin Ecological FarmGuangzhou, Conghua

Founded in 2009, Yinlin Farm covers over 70 mu. It began practicing ecological planting in 2013, focusing primarily on vegetable production in accordance with natural laws. In addition to eschewing pesticides, chemical fertilisers, and herbicides, the farm has consistently adhered to production methods that are friendly to the soil, environment, and people, employing autonomous composting and grass-mulch cultivation to improve soil quality and biodiversity. By continuously enhancing its scientific understanding of ecological agriculture, Yinlin Farm has gradually established its own planting technical system.

Ecological Farm Mentor｜Guo Rui

Graduated in 2005 with a degree in Biotechnology from South China Agricultural University. He returned home to start his own business in 2009 and began practicing ecological planting in 2013. During this process, he has taken training courses in Natural Farming, Vital Farming, and soil improvement, continuously studying and researching ecological agriculture planting techniques. He hopes the farm provides a comfortable living condition for his family, a happy growth environment for his children, and healthy, nutritious, and safe food for consumers.

 

 

 

Hopes for Interns: We hope more young people will understand and participate in ecological agriculture. The farm also needs young people to assist with planting management, data organisation, and marketing and promotion, eventually participating together in the operation of the farm; ecological agriculture needs a successor. We hope for candidates who are interested in ecological agriculture or healthy living, willing to invest energy in learning, self-disciplined, hands-on, and respectful of the older generation of farmers.

Internship roles: Planting, marketing (promotion), and farm events (hospitality).

Guidance provided to interns: Ecological farming techniques, machinery operation, farm management, marketing, etc.

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02 Letian Bay Farm Shanghai · Fengxian

Letian Bay Farm covers 86 mu (approx. 5.7 hectares), including over 40 mu of woodland and over 20 mu of cultivation area, with the remainder dedicated to public spaces. Established in April 2020, the farm promotes a “City 5, Farm 2” pastoral lifestyle. Its primary business involves leasing plots to citizens, while also offering educational courses in farming, nature experiences, and traditional crafts. Each member plot grows approximately 60 varieties of seasonal vegetables throughout the year using traditional farming methods. No pesticides, chemical fertilisers, or other synthetic chemicals are used; instead, the farm employs organic fertilisers and biological pesticides.

Ecological Farm Mentor｜Yuan Qinghua

Holder of a Master’s degree from Renmin University of China. Since 2003, Yuan has been involved in Chinese rural construction under the guidance of Professor Wen Tiejun. Previous roles include General Manager of Xiaomaolü Citizen Farm, General Manager of Design Harvest, and Operations Director of Chuangzhi Farm. He is currently the General Manager of Letian Bay Farm. In 2008, he studied natural farming under Cho Han-kyu in South Korea, and in 2010, he earned a Permaculture Design Course certificate in Hong Kong. In 2019, he received a Nature Education certification from Cornell University. From 2009 to 2010, he spent a year in Thailand studying organic planting with the God of Rice system.

 

 

Intern Profile: We are looking for young people to bring fresh energy and vitality to the farm. We hope for candidates who can provide creative ideas for farm development, help enrich and innovate our activities, and refine the farm’s curriculum system. We also encourage bold experimentation with various self-media channels for external promotion. We seek individuals with a grounded mindset, a hardworking nature, and the ability to adapt to the rhythms of farm life. Interns must follow farm rules and possess a strong capacity for active learning to ensure their time here is productive.

Internship roles:

1. Planting

2. Marketing: Sales, promotion, and customer service

3. Farm events (hospitality)

4. Farm construction, etc.

Guidance provided to interns: Learning various ecological farming techniques, such as natural farming, Permaculture, biological composting, machinery maintenance, and practical farm construction skills, as well as insights and lessons learned from farm operation and management.

03 Zhiliangtian Ecological FarmInner Mongolia · Alxa

The farm covers 1,000 mu, with 160 mu under cultivation. The primary crops are honeydew melon and foxtail millet, and the farm also partners with other producers in Alxa for ecological plums and desert lamb.

Ecological Farm Mentor｜Ma Yanwei

Founder of Alxa Zhiliangtian Ecological Farm and Zhixing Study Tours, and holder of a Master’s degree in Ecology from Beijing Normal University. Ma joined the Alxa SEE Ecological Association in 2005 and, after leaving the association, settled in Alxa to establish the Zhiliangtian Ecological Farm.

 

 

 

 

Intern Profile: We seek candidates who are genuinely interested in farm life and work, are hardworking, and eager to learn. You should be proactive—possessing not just passion, but a practical eye for the tasks at hand, stepping in to help wherever needed. Additionally, working on a farm can be demanding, so resilience is essential.

Internship roles:

1. Daily production

2. Leading and preparing nature education activities

3. Product design, short-video production, and marketing

4. Daily maintenance and logistics

Guidance provided to interns:

1. Ecological farming and planting

2. Farm management and operations

3. Design and organisation of nature education and study tours

04 Yuefeng Island Organic FarmJiangsu · Kunshan

Yuefeng Island Organic Farm was established with investment from the Kunshan Urban Investment Group and is a national-level ecological farm. Covering 230 mu, it began operations in 2010 on the shores of Lake Yangcheng in Kunshan. The farm practises organic philosophy, focusing on maintaining soil health and using soil-friendly organic planting methods to protect water sources. By integrating agricultural production with landscape garden design, Yuefeng Island has constructed a comprehensive aquatic ecosystem and a rich terrestrial ecosystem, creating a composite landscape where farmland, vegetable gardens, wetlands, woodlands, and specialised architectural sites coexist. Based on the foundations of farming, the farm deeply explores the ecological value of agriculture, systematically organises local farming culture, develops educational materials for farming science, and carries out a diverse range of agricultural education activities.

Ecological Farm Mentor｜Tang Yaozhong

Tang Yaozhong is the Head of Production Technology at Yuefeng Island Organic Farm and a local expert in organic rice. He manages the production and daily operations of the entire park, leading the team to strictly adhere to organic production techniques and actively exploring sustainable ecological agriculture. He also liaises with research institutes within and outside the province to collect and conserve local characteristic germplasm resources, screening for varieties suitable for local cultivation and promotion, such as Su Yu glutinous rice, Duck-blood glutinous rice, and local taro. He designs “edible landscapes” that combine education with entertainment and works with local schools and families to develop agricultural science courses for children.

 

 

Intern Profile: We hope for young people to participate in various research projects at the farm, helping to systematise our planting and management experience. We also aim to build a talent pipeline for the farm’s future development. We seek interns with strong curiosity, a desire to explore, and a hardworking attitude.

Internship roles: Planting and experimental research (planting and documenting heirloom varieties).

Guidance provided to interns:

1. Agricultural production and farm management

2. Guidance in experiments and research regarding soil improvement, heirloom variety preservation, and biodiversity

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05 Lüwo Farm Shaanxi · Xianyang

Lüwo Farm is located in the heart of the Guanzhong Plain in Shaanxi, beside the Zhengguo Canal. Founded by Da Hei in 2014, the farm practices Australian regenerative agriculture. Guided by the principle of “treating the disease before it arises”, its approach focuses on the restoration and strengthening of soil vitality. By using soil activation formulas made from purely natural materials and a variety of green manures, and by developing systemic methods such as tailored conservation tillage equipment based on observations of the farm’s characteristics, it aims to achieve healthy soil, resilient crops, reduced labour, and environmental friendliness.

Ecological Farm Mentor | Da Hei

He founded Lüwo Farm in 2014 to study and practice regenerative farming, later establishing a local regenerative agriculture association where he serves as an instructor. He has modified a wide range of agricultural machinery to suit local conditions without damaging the soil structure.

 

 

 

Ideal Intern: We envision the farm as a social enterprise, contributing to the cultivation of future ecological farmers and professionals in the ecological field. We are looking for interns who are genuinely interested in the practicalities of agriculture. There is a significant shortage of talent on the production front line; work based on hands-on field production is what best supports the development of other farm activities.

Internship Roles: Interns will be involved in all aspects of the farm’s operations. Because the farm is a holistic entity and cannot be viewed in fragments, learning here must be comprehensive.

Guidance Provided: We offer guidance ranging from theoretical understanding to every aspect of practical operation, including product research and development as well as sales. We can explore these various fields together.

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06 Liangliang Family Farm Sichuan · Chengdu

Established in 2013, covering 30 mu, the farm focuses primarily on small yellow ginger, alongside various vegetables including carrots and wheat, and grain and oil crops (practising a rotation of vegetables, grains/oil, and green manure). The farm hosts activities such as farming-based food education, life camps, and summer camps. Liangliang Farm is a family-run farm within a local village, bringing rural families together, practising eco-friendly farming, and building an ecological community (Niujiaoyan Living Village) through deep links and interaction with the surrounding village.

Ecological Farm Mentor｜Tang Liang

Born in the mid-80s, founder and lead of Liangliang Farm. Graduated in 2008 with a degree in Biological Sciences from Southwest University. After graduation, he worked for a technology company in Chongqing. From 2011 to 2013, he interned for two years at Little Donkey and Shared Harvest Ecological Farms. In 2013, he returned to his hometown to start Liangliang Family Farm (Tangjia Liangliang Farm), where he practices eco-friendly farming, unites rural families, and explores a rural lifestyle closer to the essence of life. In 2020, he became a father, and hopes to use his own hands to create a vibrant home for his child’s growth, while exploring the creation of local ecological communities and future living villages.

 

 

Ideal Intern: Someone who loves or sincerely wishes to understand ecological agriculture and rural life; someone who is proactive and grounded in their work, life, and studies, rather than someone looking for a superficial experience. You should be able to participate in basic farming activities, be able to cook for yourself (or at least be willing to try), possess basic learning abilities, and cooperate actively with farm/community staff to complete assigned tasks, ensuring the internship is a truly rewarding journey.

Tasks interns can participate in: Production and cultivation, marketing (sales), communication and promotion, assistance with farm activities, and community building for Niujiaoyan Living Village. (Note: In a family farm/community like this, you won’t be limited to a single job role; you will typically be involved in various tasks, including learning life skills).

Guidance provided to interns: Ecological agricultural production techniques, farm operations and management, home building, and eco-village construction/community building.

*Liangliang Farm has also launched a Rural Life Partner Programme; you are welcome to participate via this route. Rural Life Partners enjoy more freedom than interns but are required to pay basic board and lodging expenses, offering a relatively low-cost way to experience rural life and work.

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07 Xiqing Farm Beijing

Xiqing Farm was established in August 2015, growing strawberries and various seasonal vegetables. Xiqing’s philosophy is to produce high-quality produce using high-quality soil. Green manure is the primary fertiliser, supplemented by plant-based compost. Over four years, we have built a basic ecosystem on the farm, and the biodiversity within this system continues to flourish.

Ecological Farm Mentor｜Wang Xin

Born in the mid-80s, graduated from Beijing Agricultural College with a major in Landscape Plants. He began researching ecological agriculture in 2011, hoping to cultivate a healthy, organic life through quality soil.

 

 

 

 

Ideal Intern: I believe we should increase the number of ecological smallholders and family farms; only when there are more smallholders willing to farm with dedication will the state of the industry gradually improve. Someone must push for this shift in thinking. In fact, I have always wanted to recruit interns—people who love ecological cultivation and can truly settle their hearts into the work. To learn these things at a farming school in Japan, you’d have to pay tuition, and there’s no guarantee of admission. Who wants to learn from me? Come along.

Tasks interns can participate in: Cultivation, farm management, marketing (promotion)

Guidance provided to interns: Developing the observation, operational, and judgement skills of aspiring ecological farmers—for example, how to observe and understand soil, plants, insects, and weather.

–  Application Link  –   

If you are ready to become an intern, please fill out the application form below. We ask that you consider this carefully and fill it in thoughtfully, confirming whether you are willing to commit the time required for the project.

Intern Application Form Link

If your ecological farm would like to join our internship programme and host interns, please fill out the following form.

Farm Application Form Link

Application Deadline: 6th March

*If you submit an application and pass the initial screening, we will contact you via phone or email within two weeks. If you do not hear from us by 7th March, please understand that your application was not successful in the first round.

See you in the fields in 2024!

Coordinated by: Mei Ying

Edited by: Tianle

Images: Previous interns, Farm mentors, Foodthink