Youth learning, practice, reflections, and programme records in ecological farming settings.
Today, many are beginning to seriously consider the value and meaning of rural life, even weaving farm labour and living into their future plans. In an age marked by risk and uncertainty, Foodthink hopes to support young people who care about food and agriculture—particularly those eager to pursue ecological farming—in…
I wonder whether many of you share my habit: when aimlessly selecting an ear of corn, a bag of rice, or a lychee from the chilled aisle of a supermarket, we scarcely give a thought to where it came from—the very soil that nurtured it. It’s as though provisions simply…
I. More Than a Mere Bystander In July, Beijing is at the height of summer. On this land I am soon to leave, seeds sown in spring are now bearing plump fruit. As I immerse myself in the joy of the harvest, I also come to realise how precious the…
This March, carrying a blend of uncertainty about my future career and anticipation for the unknown, I joined Foodthink’s “Eco-Farming Internship Programme” and arrived at Le Xian Gu Community Farm in Fengxian District, Shanghai. Until then, my image of a farm had been shaped entirely by the fields, lawns, and…
Foodthink Says What do young people experience and take away when they step away from the conventional life path to intern at an ecological farm? This piece shares the reflections of Zhejun, an intern on Foodthink’s third ‘Ecological Agriculture Internship Programme’, adapted from her remarks at last year’s sharing session,…
Editor’s Note I met Jiang Ziqi at a book fair in Hangzhou in 2023. She invited Peasant Seed Network to give a talk on seed saving at the event. At that time, I learned that she and a few friends in Hangzhou were tending their own small vegetable plots and…
Not long ago, news of edible oil being mixed with other substances in tanker trucks flooded the media, leaving many wondering whether they too had fallen victim. While having enough to eat is no longer an issue, ensuring that our food is both safe and healthy remains far from guaranteed.…
I. Returning to the Countryside: A Connection with Pengcheng Natural Farm I was raised in a Hakka village in eastern Guangdong, and as a child, I frequently yearned for the outside world. In 2015, my wish came true when I moved to Guangzhou, a major metropolis, to continue my education.…
I. Setting out with questions in mind Late in March, I embarked on a three-month internship at Guixinyuan Farm. Partly, this was to test whether I was suited to life as an agricultural worker; partly, I was searching for an ideal model of farming: What kind of relationship ought agriculture…
In early 2024, Foodthink opened recruitment for the third “Eco-Agriculture Internship Programme”. Thank you for your interest and enthusiastic applications. This year, we received a total of 62 applications for the farm internship. Following detailed discussions between Foodthink, 12 farm mentors, and partner organisations, we have decided to invite 25…
