21 young people embark on a journey beyond ChatGPT’s imagination

At the beginning of 2023, Foodthink opened applications for the second cohort of its “Agroecology Internship Programme”. Our aim was to bridge the gap between young people aspiring to work in agroecology and established ecological farms. This allows participants to acquire essential farming knowledge and skills, ensures that the wisdom of experienced farmers is captured and passed on, and addresses the shortage of skilled labour on these farms.

The call for applications generated significant interest and a surge of enthusiastic responses. Ultimately, 21 interns were selected. They have since embarked on a new journey, joining nine ecological farms across the country for an extraordinary internship experience—committing themselves to the land and learning directly from the farmers who work it.

Internship Partner: M A I   Z I

“In the summers of my childhood, I could eat bright red, mealy tomatoes and watermelons that weren’t large but were incredibly sweet. As I grew up, these became mere memories. While advancements in agricultural technology have increased yields, the original flavour of food has vanished from our tables.

This led me to discover ecological agriculture. To me, ecological farming represents a care for nature and the environment, as well as a reflection on the socio-economic and livelihood issues behind our food. I hope that by going to the farm, I can explore a sustainable ecological farming life amidst nature and the land.”

Lvwo Farm is located in the heart of the Guanzhong Plain in Shaanxi, beside the Zhengguo Canal. Founded in 2014 by farmer Da Hei, the farm practices Australian holistic farming methods. Guided by the principle of ‘treating the disease before it manifests’ (preventative care), the farm focuses on the restoration and strengthening of soil vitality. By using soil activation formulas made from purely natural materials, diversified green manures, and a systematic approach including the development of suitable conservation tillage machinery based on observations of the farm’s unique characteristics, the farm aims to achieve healthy soil, resilient crops, reduced labour, and environmental friendliness.

Ecological Farm Mentor: Da Hei

Founded Lvwo Farm in 2014, studying and practicing holistic farming methods. He established a local Holistic Farming Association and serves as an instructor. He has modified a large number of agricultural machines to be suitable for local conditions without damaging the soil structure.

“Spending a week at Lüwo Farm, I took part in routine farm chores like tilling, weeding, and transplanting flowers, as well as odd jobs such as cleaning, packing goods, and moving supplies. I even dug up ‘500’—the exclusive formula from Vital Farming—and the cow horns used to hold it, and I even learned how to drive a tractor!

My days were packed full; my body was exhausted, but I felt a huge sense of achievement. Away from the polished veneer of the city, I was often covered in dirt, yet I experienced fleeting moments of spiritual freedom—bouncing along rural dirt tracks in a van, lying on the grass watching birds soar through the sky when I was worn out, or scrubbing the cow horns to reveal their vibrant colours. I couldn’t help but wish that time would slow down just a little.”

Intern: Yan Cha

A four-year veteran of environmental public welfare, dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development, currently exploring ways to contribute to sustainable agriculture. I hope to acquire the knowledge and skills at an ecological farm to help me understand the possibilities of building a tangible, bottom-up industry in this field. 

 

 

 

“My first week on the farm has been jam-packed! Tilling the earth, weeding, packing produce, driving the van—learning, practising, and making midnight snacks with the others; it’s been exhausting, but in the best way possible. While we were using digging forks, Teacher Dahei taught us how to sense the soil, telling us to ‘let the soil breathe’. With Teacher Xiaohei’s patient guidance, we even learned to drive a tractor! On this flat, open, and fertile land, I’ve let my heart run wild, and I can feel my own vitality in full bloom.”

Intern: A Yue

Born after 1995. After graduating with a diploma in marketing, I worked in after-sales service, sold insurance, and served as a medical representative. I never liked city life and am currently planning my return to the countryside; Green Me Farm is the first stop on my journey back. 

 

 

 

“It feels as though I’ve only just arrived at Big Black’s place and polished off two huge bowls of oil-splashed noodles, yet at the same time, it feels as if ages have passed and this strange land has become home. It’s made me wonder: is returning to the countryside about going back to one’s birthplace, or is it about finding a place where the connection to the land is deeper, where you are closer to the soil?”

People always used to say there was never-ending work in the fields. Now, with Green Me Farm, we have the biscuit production line and the processing of flour and barley tea, as well as pre- and after-sales handling across multiple platforms, not to mention the various visitors and unexpected mishaps. Chatting with my teammates in the living room before bed, I often find myself suddenly wondering: ‘Wait, was there something we missed today?’ The biggest change since my time in the city is this: I can wake up, stretch, and simply sit up. Although my body is busy throughout the day, my mind is at peace and happy—full of anticipation, yet devoid of restlessness.”

3 Xi Qing Farm | Daxing, Beijing

Founded in August 2015, Xi Qing Farm grows strawberries and a variety of seasonal vegetables. Their philosophy is simple: use high-quality soil to produce high-quality produce. They rely primarily on green manure, supplemented by plant-based compost. Over four years, they have built a fundamental ecosystem on the farm, and the biodiversity within this system continues to flourish.

Ecological Farm Mentor: Wang Xin

Born in the mid-80s, Wang Xin graduated from the Beijing Agricultural College with a degree in Landscape Plants. He began researching ecological agriculture in 2011, driven by the hope of cultivating a healthy, organic lifestyle through high-quality soil.

 

 

 

Intern: Chaoyan

After graduating, Chaoyan worked in IT testing in Beijing. While taking a break in their hometown last year, they began to contemplate new possibilities for their life, and two weeks ago, they joined Xi Qing Farm as an intern.

 

“Over the last two weeks, my greatest gain has been a shift in perspective. Before coming here, I simply wanted to grow safe, delicious vegetables for my family and friends, and to change their indifference towards food safety. Now, I realise that ecological farming involves far more complexities. Farming is not some pastoral idyll, and organic ecological farming even less so. It is a technical endeavour spanning multiple disciplines; it requires extensive knowledge and true determination to succeed. Otherwise, it is simply exhausting—both physically and mentally.”

“After starting my internship at Xiqing, I discovered that food safety issues in the market were far worse than I had imagined. I felt a profound sense of helplessness, but also a strange sense of mission. Starting with the people who influence those closest to me is probably the right path.”

4 Letian Bay Farm｜Fengxian, Shanghai

Located in Haiwan Village, Fengxian District, Shanghai, Letian Bay Farm was established in early 2020—a true ‘child of the 2020s’. Covering 85 mu, the farm includes over 30 mu of arable land, nearly 40 mu of woodland, and over 1,000 square metres of warehouse and workshop space, with additional public spaces such as ponds and lawns for visitors to relax. The farm is designed as an educational base for farming experiences, offering a diverse range of courses themed around agricultural science, farming practice, environmental creativity, nature education, and survival skills.

Ecological Farm Mentor: Yuan Qinghua

Holds a Master’s degree from Renmin University of China and is an invited researcher at the School of Chinese Rural Construction, Southwest University. He is the co-founder of Shanghai Bancheng Bannong Industrial Development Co., Ltd. and the General Manager of Letian Bay Farm. He previously served as the Deputy General Manager of Xiao Maolü Urban Farm, General Manager of Shanghai Design Harvest, and Operations Director of Chuangzhi Farm. He spent a year studying organic farming techniques in Thailand and has travelled to the UK, Vietnam, and India for academic exchange. In 2010, he obtained a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) certificate in Hong Kong, and in 2019, he received a nature education course certificate from Cornell University.

Intern Partner: Cui Xianling

A postgraduate student of anthropology with interests in diet, animal rights, and sustainability.

“For the longest time, public discourse seemed to emphasise the importance of high agricultural yields. After interning at the ecological farm, I discovered that a single plot of land can produce 10 to 20 varieties of vegetables, and without any chemical fertilisers or pesticides, the output far exceeds the needs of a family of three. I was stunned. I couldn’t help but ask: do we really need so many pesticides and fertilisers to produce such an excess of agricultural products?”

 

 

Intern Partner: Dou Li

“In the conventional sense, I suppose I’m someone who loves to ‘shake things up’. I gave up a PhD after passing the arduous qualifying exams; I spent my time in a Fortune 500 company creating grand illusions in PowerPoint presentations, only to feel it was all meaningless; I travelled across oceans to study Ancient Greek philosophy and Medieval theology… After all this restlessness, I unexpectedly found a long-lost sense of peace in nature.

Nature education has allowed me to rediscover the beauty of the natural world and the wonder of life; it also made me realise that I need a lasting connection with the land. I will soon head to Letian Bay Farm, where I hope to put down roots and become a practical, hardworking farmer.”

 

Intern Partner: Qiu Tian

A final-year undergraduate majoring in Chinese Language and Literature.

“Throughout my studies, agriculture and the countryside have always been unavoidable themes. Whether through literary writing or the sociological observations of the village by Fei Xiaotong, these have been my windows into agriculture. I chose to intern at the farm because I want a first-hand, tangible feel for agricultural production, and a more concrete understanding of the origins and development of the land and rural life.”

 

 

5 Yuefengdao Organic Farm | Kunshan, Jiangsu

Yuefengdao Organic Farm is a national-level ecological farm invested in and established by the Kunshan Urban Construction Investment Group. Covering 230 mu, it began operations in 2010 on the shores of Yangcheng Lake in Kunshan. It practices organic principles with a core focus on maintaining soil health and protecting water sources through land-friendly organic cultivation methods. By employing landscape garden design techniques, Yuefengdao integrates agriculture with scenery to build a comprehensive aquatic ecosystem and a rich terrestrial ecosystem, creating a composite landscape where farmland, vegetable plots, wetlands, woodlands, and specialised architectural sites coexist. Rooted in farming, Yuefengdao explores the ecological value of agriculture, systematically organises local farming culture, develops educational materials for agricultural outreach, and carries out a diverse range of farming education activities.

Ecological Farm Mentor: Tang Yaozhong

Head of production technology at Yuefengdao Organic Farm and a local expert in organic rice, Tang manages the production and daily operations of the entire park. He leads his team in production and management strictly according to organic techniques, actively exploring sustainable ecological agriculture. Simultaneously, he collaborates with research institutes both within and outside the province to collect and preserve local specialty germplasm resources, selecting varieties suitable for local cultivation and promotion, such as Suyu Nuo, Yaxue Nuo, and local taro. He also designs educational and entertaining edible landscapes on the farm, working with local schools and families to help develop agricultural science courses. 

Intern Partner: yifan

“After graduating, I entered the agricultural produce supply industry by chance and wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the production stages within the supply chain. Having seen the updates shared by my fellow interns who have already arrived at the farm, I am greatly looking forward to my future work and life there! I hope to acquire knowledge and skills in sustainable, eco-friendly agriculture and to learn about local farming culture.”

 

 

 

Fellow Intern: June

A working professional who grew up in the city but harboured a dream inspired by ‘Iron-arm DASH’. They hoped to forge genuine connections with people, nature, and the land on a farm, while exploring a new way of life.

“Inspired by overseas farming variety shows, I’ve always been fascinated by agriculture and rural life. But one day, I suddenly realised that despite living in the city, I knew absolutely nothing about Chinese agriculture. Thinking about it, it’s actually quite strange. Through this internship at Yuefeng Island Organic Farm, I hope to gain a deeper understanding and experience of Chinese agriculture, so that in the future, I can contribute more to nature education, rural communities, and the environment.” 

Fellow Intern: Ri Yao

Born in Nanchong and raised in Guangzhou, they only returned to Chengdu for university. They are currently a student.

 

 

 

 

“I’ve always felt that current specialised education makes students’ ways of thinking overly narrow, rendering our experience of the world one-dimensional; we become accustomed to passively receiving knowledge, which severs the conceptual links between different things.”

Agriculture is not something that any single specialism can teach. Through farming, one comes into closer contact with the natural world; it requires an understanding of both the heavens and the earth, as well as the ability to collaborate with others. It is, therefore, an excellent way to challenge and counter the trend of over-specialisation in education. In the coming farm internship, I look forward to more opportunities for self-directed learning and to further exploring the very nature of education.”

6 Liangliang Farm | Chengdu, Sichuan

The farm covers 30 mu, with small yellow ginger as the primary cash crop (rotated with vegetables, grains, oilseeds, and green manure). Liangliang Farm is more than just a simple ecological family farm; it also encompasses the Aijiayuan Cooperative, a Farmer Field School, the Niujiaoyan Living Village Learning Centre, a children’s aesthetic education space, and a community volunteer reading team for children. The cooperative currently consists of two primary branches: an agricultural machinery service team and micro-shop operations.

Ecological Farm Mentor: Tang Liang

Born in the mid-80s and the founder of Liangliang Farm, Tang Liang graduated in Biological Sciences from Southwest University in 2008. After working for a tech company in Chongqing, he spent two years interning (2011–2013) at the Little Donkey and Sharing Harvest ecological farms. In 2013, he returned to his hometown to establish Liangliang Family Farm, where he practices gentle farming, brings rural families together, and explores a countryside lifestyle that remains close to the essence of life. Becoming a father in 2020, he hopes to create a vibrant home for his child through his own hard work, while exploring the creation of local ecological communities and “future living villages”. In early 2023, he completed a second degree in Horticultural Technology from the Chengdu Vocational College of Agricultural Science and Technology.

Intern Partner: Liu Heng

A passionate wanderer. His experience ranges from being a delivery rider, a guesthouse manager, and a restaurant server to an assistant for fruit tree production on an organic farm. He is currently participating in a work-exchange programme at the Wogan Baicao Garden in Guigang, Guangxi, and will soon begin an internship at Liangliang Farm in Chengdu.

 

 

 

 

“I began learning about ecological agriculture last year. I started with second-hand information from books and documentaries, gaining knowledge about soil and matter-energy cycles, and later experienced the profound wisdom of organic fruit cultivation first-hand. As living organisms, fruit trees have many wondrous and interesting aspects; as these points connect into a network, my superficial understanding has grown more refined and deep. Tasks that seemed repetitive and tedious have gained a newfound sense of joy and meaning.

Another crucial point is how to produce high-quality food in harmony with nature within a specific context, while simultaneously connecting this to broader issues like environmental pollution and climate change. This approach of ‘small-scale action for big problems’ keeps me from drifting into empty talk or superficiality, allowing me to do things that are within my power in a grounded, tangible way.”

Intern: Liu Biyu

A Russian language graduate with a passion for nature and environmental conservation, she wishes to learn more about the natural world and agriculture.

“I grew up in a small town with rice paddies right behind my house; the changing seasons in those fields hold so many of my childhood memories. Although I lived far from the countryside after secondary school and spent four years studying in Beijing, I never quite adjusted to the bustle and noise of the city. I longed for a slower pace of life. I hope that at Liangliang Farm, I can reconnect with the land.” 

 

7 Yinlin Farm | Conghua, Guangzhou

Established in 2009 and covering over 70 mu, Yinlin Farm began practising ecological farming in 2013. Primarily focused on vegetable production, the farm operates in harmony with the laws of nature. Beyond eschewing pesticides, chemical fertilisers, and herbicides, the farm is committed to production methods that are kind to the soil, the environment, and people; by employing in-house composting and cover-cropping, the farm continues to improve its soil health and biodiversity. Through a constant deepening of its scientific understanding of ecological agriculture, Yinlin Farm has gradually developed its own cultivation system, producing healthy, delicious ecological vegetables that have earned growing recognition.

Ecological Farm Mentor: Guo Rui

Having graduated with a degree in Biotechnology from South China Agricultural University in 2005, Guo Rui returned to his hometown in 2009 to start his own venture. He began practising ecological farming in 2013, during which time he undertook training in natural farming, regenerative agriculture, and soil improvement, continuously studying and refining ecological cultivation techniques. He hopes the farm will provide a comfortable life for his family, a joyful environment for his children to grow up in, and healthy, nutritious, and safe food for consumers.

 

Internship Partner: Li Weiwen

Freelancer, social worker, and practitioner of organic living.

“I’ve been at Yinlin Farm for two weeks now, and life here is simple yet fulfilling. My daily work mainly consists of working in the fields with the aunties and, more recently, tending to the seedlings and germination of gourd plants. The work seems simple, but you gain so much when you approach it with a questioning and reflective mind. Observation is also key; every insect that appears on the crops forms a connection with them. What is their symbiotic relationship? And what is their antagonistic one? The vast world of plants will never leave me bored.” 

 

Internship Partner: Xinyi

“If I were defined by my previous work experience, I’d probably be an inexperienced wild cook.”

“I love the kitchen, but the realities of running a commercial one left me feeling conflicted, pushing me further and further away from the food itself. I must have looked miserable every day back then; after I quit, I spent two weeks collapsed in bed before I felt like myself again. Now, I want to go back to the land—to learn directly from the soil, the plants, and the farmers, to build new connections and find a different perspective on food. I also want to soak up plenty of sunlight, and practice being mindful, feeling and enjoying the present moment, slowly recharging my batteries…”

Internship Partner: Mubai

Cares deeply about people and the environment, exploring how humans can develop in harmony with nature through continuous learning and practice. 

 

 

 

 

“Over the course of a week, I experienced the damp, condensing humidity of the tropical monsoon climate. I saw carrots rot in the ground because they hadn’t sold, and some crops seemed to struggle to flower. I learned how to raise seedlings, pollinate, weed, dig the earth, and build supports. I spent my time facing the soil, wondering why the vegetables weren’t growing yet, or why the male and female flowers weren’t blooming at the same time. Other times were spent sorting vegetables, tidying up the mud-covered produce into neat, beautiful rows.”

During that week, smelling the fragrance of osmanthus, eating loquats, and passing by blossoming lychee, longan, and euonymus trees, I listened to the rain, sweated, and weeded. I finally understood what it means when people say ‘every grain is hard-won’ and that farmers are ‘at the mercy of the weather’. Agriculture really is a profound science!”

8 Yirun Farm | Guigang, Guangxi

Located in Guigang, Guangxi, Yirun Farm covers 53 mu (approx. 3.5 hectares), with 40 mu of ecological Honey citrus and 10 mu of Emperor citrus, intercropped with lychee, bananas, and local bamboo cane. Rather than just a farm, it feels more like an ecological multi-fruit orchard.

Ecological Farm Mentor: Yan Ping

 

“My original intention in returning to farming was to do something that could support my family and myself while also nourishing my mind and body. My vision now is to sit in the quiet, listening to the birds and insects while waiting for the harvest—a vision that is slowly becoming reality through honest, hard work. I want more people to experience the feeling of running wild in the embrace of Mother Earth, to discover that the greatest happiness comes from the sweat of one’s brow, and to restore our vitality and spirit through labour, making the farm’s atmosphere more relaxed and joyful.”

Internship Partner: Dawang

A woman born in the 1980s who grew up in the rural Central Plains. Over a decade ago, reading *The Revolution of a Straw* planted the seed of natural farming in her heart. After spending ten years navigating the non-profit sector, that seed is finally ready to sprout~ 

 

 

“I was fortunate enough to participate in the Foodthink internship programme and come to Sister Yan Ping’s Happiness Fruit Herb Garden. I have been at the farm for over half a month now. Besides engaging in farm work like harvesting, sorting, and boxing Honey citrus, as well as mulching and sowing, I’ve followed my mentor, Sister Yan Ping, to the Nanning Urban Farm Market, helped with transplanting rice seedlings, and learned about the wild medicinal herbs in the orchard.”

Sister Yan Ping’s openness and acceptance have allowed me to experience the true daily life and production of an ecological farmer from every angle. My strongest feeling right now is one of happiness and contentment. Although ecological agriculture, as a way of life, faces many difficulties and resistances, as long as one is willing to trust the power of nature, act in accordance with the seasons, and avoid reckless interference, there will surely be unexpected rewards.”

Internship Partner: Hezi

A graduate in agronomy who aspires to become a farmer dedicated to ecological agriculture.

“As my previous education was based on concepts quite different from those of ecological agriculture, I was keen to understand the specific practical differences between ecological and conventional farming. The internship has been both joyful and arduous; there are stories to be heard, but also the hard work of picking Wogan citrus, weeding, and composting. However, working together always makes it feel lighter; everyone contributes a little, and gradually the work is done. I look forward to observing and gaining further experience and knowledge here at the farm.” 

9 Citane Village, Hainan｜Haikou, Hainan

The farm’s primary crops include Hainan Juhong (30 mu), Tiger Milk Mushroom (2 mu), and mountain pomelo (3 mu). We use fruit peels and kitchen waste to create organic fertilisers, which have improved the soil and increased the yield and quality of the mushrooms and Juhong. The ‘Coconut-grade’ village rating from the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism and Culture will also bring signage and comprehensive tourism maps to Citane Village. A brand-new, pollution-free village is now unfolding before us.

Ecological Farm Mentor: Hu Shize

One of the top ten annual figures for ‘Love Your Hometown’ and a recognised local talent of the South China Sea region. Born in September 1983 in Ding’an, Hainan, he graduated from Yanshan University, a leading national institution, in 2006. In 2002, he founded the ‘Hainan Returning University Students Volunteer Service Team’, which continues to this day. In 2013, building on this volunteer work, he began promoting community development in Citane Village. In 2015, he returned to his hometown from Shanghai to start a business, establishing the Ding’an Xinzhu Citane Sightseeing Tourism Professional Cooperative. The ‘Citane Model’ has been featured in media outlets such as the People’s Daily, Guangming Daily, and China Youth Daily, garnering widespread attention.

 

Internship Partner: Liu Dazhuo

Having worked as a chef, travelled on cruise ships, and run his own business, he has now come to Citane Village in Xinzhu Town, Ding’an County, Hainan Island, for an internship. 

 

 

 

“I have been at the farm for over a week now and have experienced many agricultural activities. The most memorable was weeding the pineapple fields. The process was incredibly arduous; even with protection, I couldn’t stop the beggarticks, pineapple leaves, and towering mimosa from pricking me. I couldn’t help but lament: it really isn’t easy to get an ecological pineapple!

Hainan’s weather has entered a season of endless rain. The weeds I had just cleared grew back quickly after a few downpours. It was then that I suddenly understood why small-scale farmers with limited labour would choose herbicides. I truly wish there were a more effective way to weed that didn’t require so much physical effort—perhaps that’s just the laziness of a city dweller! I hope to gain new insights from my remaining work and studies.”Coordinated by: Xiao Chao

Edited by: Ze En