Early in 2024, Foodthink opened applications for the third edition of our Ecological Agriculture Internship Programme. Our aim is to connect young people eager to pursue careers in ecological agriculture with established eco-farms. This will equip the newcomers with practical farming knowledge and skills, while allowing experienced growers to document and pass on their expertise. It also helps address the shortage of skilled labour on farms.
Thank you for your interest and the enthusiastic response to our call for applications. The recruitment period has now closed, and we will contact suitable candidates in due course. We also received numerous applications from ecological farms. Following site visits and consultations by our team, four new ecological farms have been added, bringing the total to twelve farms that will serve as the training grounds for our third cohort of interns. Let’s take a closer look.
The newly added farms are as follows:
01 Tianyuan Bang Rural Learning Centre
Guangdong, Huizhou
The farm’s original site spans 30 mu (roughly 5 acres), with a new extension adding another 12 mu (about 2 acres). To complement its organic farming and traditional craft education programmes, the farm practises diverse crop cultivation and animal husbandry. It grows a variety of grains, vegetables, herbs, and fruit, and keeps chickens, ducks, geese, cattle, sheep, horses, and fish. Throughout the year, Tianyuan Bang hosts over a hundred activities, including spring and autumn excursions, short-break family camps, winter and summer camps, and educational study tours focused on farming and traditional crafts, with a fresh schedule for each season.
Ecological Farm Mentor
Hu Weihe
Permaculture educator and founder of the Tianyuan Bang Rural Learning Centre. In 2004, he left university to join the founding team of the Chengdu Waldorf School, where he taught horticulture for five years, alongside woodworking and clay modelling. From 2009 to 2011, he spent two years at the Emerson College in the UK studying biodynamic agriculture, undertaking field visits to Waldorf schools, biodynamic farms, and communities across the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and Sweden. Between 2012 and 2013, while serving as Secretary-General of the Demeter Association of China in Beijing, he attended the Permaculture Conference and teacher training in Hong Kong, earning his Permaculture Design Educator certificate from Rosemary Morrow. He subsequently invited Tang Min, Qiu Yiru, and Yan Jiacheng to Beijing to deliver China’s first 14-day Permaculture Design Course. From 2013 to 2014, he spent two years providing planning, design, and consultancy services for organic educational farms. After completing a two-month natural school teacher training programme in Japan through a Sino-Japanese partnership in 2014, he returned to his home province in 2015 to establish Tianyuan Bang, pioneering a modern approach to agrarian education.
What we look for in interns: A full year to dedicate to the placement; a proactive, honest, and friendly disposition with strong communication skills and a deep respect for others; a curious mindset and a willingness to approach new experiences with an open attitude; an appreciation for the simple, unpretentious rhythms of rural life; and a keen interest in organic farming (biodynamics and permaculture), Waldorf education, nature education, and traditional crafts. We are looking for individuals who wish to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of agriculture, crafts, and education. Opportunities for interns at the farm: You will live, work, study, and put theory into practice within a beautiful, historic Hakka village in Guangdong. Embracing a ‘learn by doing’ approach, you will explore the ecological and cultural foundations of farming, food, and traditional crafts. Tasks will span crop cultivation, horticulture, food preparation and preservation, woodworking, building, and general craftsmanship. Across a range of experiential learning activities, you will begin by assisting with established programmes, gradually progress to leading sessions independently, and eventually design and develop your own activities. Throughout this journey, our mentors will provide tailored guidance and support.
Mentorship & guidance provided:
Tianyuan Bang will continue to host a series of workshops on food, farming, and traditional crafts. A range of experts, practitioners, and fellow educators will share their research and hands-on experience from diverse perspectives, helping interns to broaden their horizons and develop their practice.
02 Mushroom Jun Farm
Beijing, Pinggu
The farm specialises in the cultivation of premium mushrooms, alongside a smaller vegetable production line. Operating professionally since 2013, it is widely regarded as Beijing’s foremost farm for high-quality mushroom cultivation, producing approximately twenty varieties throughout the year.
Ecological Farm Mentor
Mushroom Jun
With over a decade of experience since beginning premium mushroom cultivation in 2013, the mentor has dedicated their work to exploring food safety and flavour optimisation within the mushroom sector. They are recognised as one of the most seasoned mushroom growers in the ecological agriculture community.
Interns we’re looking for: We expect a baseline level of professionalism and dedication. If you’re after a laid-back, leisurely country life, the Mushroom Jun base might not be the right fit for you. We believe a proper attitude towards learning and work comes first and is our fundamental requirement. Skills and knowledge can be taught, but attitude is entirely up to the intern.
Tasks interns can assist with at the farm: The full production cycle for several mushroom varieties; independent hands-on practice cultivating one or more types of mushroom; vegetable growing; and basic water and electrical maintenance around the farm;
Mentorship and guidance available to interns: Opportunities to meet seasoned industry professionals, gaining deep insights into the current state of China’s mushroom sector and the fresh produce supply chain; learning and applying expert composting techniques; and hands-on experience in the production, promotion, marketing, delivery, and after-sales service for one or more fresh farm products. You’ll put substantial effort and ingenuity into bootstrapping an agricultural venture with minimal capital.
03 Pengcheng Natural Farm
Established in 2014, the farm mainly cultivates sweet potatoes, lychees, and guavas, covering approximately 50 mu. The founder hopes that through practising natural farming, they can return to a healthier and more peaceful way of life, while also giving others the chance to learn about and experience a more sustainable, eco-friendly approach to cultivation.
Sustainable Farm Mentor
Wang Pengcheng
Born in the 1980s, Wang previously worked for a state-owned enterprise. A decade ago, concerned about food safety and environmental issues, he decided to overhaul his lifestyle and began practising, exploring, and promoting natural farming methods.
Interns we’re looking for: A minimum commitment of six months. You should be willing to work steadily on the ground, putting in six hours a day with two days off per week.
Tasks interns can assist with at the farm: Cultivation, farm events (and guest reception)
Mentorship and guidance available to interns: Sustainable farm management practices, natural farming cultivation techniques
04 Guixinyuan Farm
Guangzhou · Huizhou
Guixinyuan is a permaculture practising farm. Spanning over 110 mu, half of the land is forested hillside, with 30 mu of ponds, 10 mu of orchard, and 10 mu of vegetable plots and arable land. The farm practises diverse cropping, ranging from everyday seasonal vegetables and fruits to staple grains. Livestock and aquaculture focus mainly on fish and chickens.
Sustainable Farm Mentor
Zhang Suqiang
Founder of Guixinyuan Permaculture Farm. He has spent 14 years practising urban permaculture, dividing his time equally between city life and farming. A Permaculture Design Course (PDC) instructor for Shenzhen’s Simple Living / Permaculture Culture initiatives, he is a seasoned permaculture practitioner, bread oven builder, and founder of the Wutong Mountain Simple Living Farm in Shenzhen.
What we look for in an intern: Proactive and enthusiastic participation in the farm’s development, a conscious effort to maintain cleanliness in shared spaces, and an open mind towards learning new knowledge and skills.Areas where interns can contribute: cultivation, animal husbandry, marketing and promotion, farm events and hospitality, customer service
Mentorship available for interns: Permaculture design principles and practical implementation.
The following partner farms will continue to accept interns:
01 Yinlin Ecological Farm
Founded in 2009, Yinlin Farm spans over 70 mu (approximately 11.5 acres) and began practising ecological cultivation in 2013. Primarily focused on vegetable production, the farm works in harmony with natural cycles. Beyond refraining from pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, and herbicides, the farm has consistently committed to production methods that are gentle on the soil, the environment, and people. By utilising on-site composting and retaining ground cover, it actively enhances soil health and biodiversity. Through a continuous commitment to advancing the scientific understanding of ecological agriculture, Yinlin Farm has gradually developed its own cultivation methodology. 
Ecological Farm Mentor
Guo Rui
Graduating with a degree in Biotechnology from South China Agricultural University in 2005, Guo Rui returned to his hometown to establish his own venture in 2009 and began practising ecological cultivation in 2013. Along the way, he has undertaken training in natural farming, biodynamic agriculture, and soil remediation, continuously deepening his expertise in ecological farming techniques. His vision is for the farm to provide his family with a comfortable home, offer his children a joyful environment in which to grow, and deliver wholesome, nutritious, and safe food to consumers.
What we look for in an intern: We hope more young people will gain an understanding of and join the ecological agriculture movement. The farm requires young hands to assist with cultivation management, record-keeping, and marketing initiatives, with the aim of eventually involving them in the broader operation of the farm; ecological farming needs a new generation to carry it forward. We are looking for individuals with an interest in ecological agriculture or healthy living, who are eager to invest time in learning, self-disciplined, practically minded, and respectful of the wisdom held by older generations of farmers.Areas where interns can contribute: cultivation, marketing and promotion, farm events and hospitality;
Mentorship available for interns: ecological cultivation techniques, machinery operation, farm management, marketing, and more.
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02 Letian Haiwan Farm
Shanghai · Fengxian
Spanning 86 mu (approximately 14 acres), Letian Haiwan Farm comprises over 40 mu of woodland and more than 20 mu of arable land, with the remainder allocated to communal spaces. Opened in April 2020, the farm champions a “five days in the city, two days on the farm” pastoral lifestyle. While land leasing for city dwellers forms its core business, it also offers a range of activities covering agricultural education, nature immersion, and craft workshops. Each rented plot yields over 60 varieties of seasonal vegetables across the year. All cultivation strictly adheres to traditional farming practices, eschewing chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilisers in favour of organic manures and biological pest control.
Ecological Farm Mentor
Yuan Qinghua
Renmin University of China postgraduate, Yuan has been involved in China’s rural development initiatives since 2003, collaborating with Professor Wen Tiejun. His career includes tenure as General Manager of Donkey Citizen Farm and Shouhuo Design, and Operations Director of Chuangzhi Farm, before assuming his current role as General Manager of Letian Haiwan Farm. In 2008, he studied natural farming under South Korean agricultural pioneer Cho Han-gyu. He holds a Permaculture Design Certificate earned in Hong Kong in 2010, a Certified Natural Educator credential from Cornell University (2019), and completed a year-long intensive programme in organic cultivation at Thailand’s Rice God Farm between 2009 and 2010.
What We’re Looking For in Interns: We are eager to welcome young people who can bring fresh energy and vitality to the farm. We hope you will contribute creative ideas to farm development, help enrich our activity offerings, innovate our programme structure, and refine our educational curriculum. We also encourage bold experimentation in promoting the farm across various social media platforms. We value a grounded attitude and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and work hard. Candidates must be adaptable to the rhythms of farm life and work, adhere to farm regulations throughout the placement, and demonstrate a proactive learning mindset that allows them to apply their new skills in real time.Interns Will Have the Opportunity to Work On:
1. Cultivation
2. Marketing: Sales, promotion, and customer service
3. Farm activities and hospitality
4. Farm development projects, and more
Mentorship & Training Provided: Hands-on learning in various ecological agriculture techniques, including natural farming, permaculture, biological composting, machinery maintenance, and farm infrastructure development. Interns will also gain practical insights and lessons in farm operations and management.
03 Zhiliangtian Ecological Farm
Spanning 1,000 mu (approx. 166 acres) with a cultivated area of 160 mu, the farm specialises in honeydew melons and millet. It also collaborates with local partners in Alxa to produce ecological prunes and desert-raised lamb.
Ecological Farm Mentor
Ma Yanwei
Co-founder of Alxa Zhiliangtian Ecological Farm and Zhixing Research & Learning, Ma holds a Master’s degree in Ecology from Beijing Normal University. He joined the Alxa SEE Ecological Conservation Association in 2005. Following his departure, he settled in Alxa and established Zhiliangtian Ecological Farm.
What We’re Looking For in Interns: We seek individuals with a genuine interest in farm life and work, who are grounded, capable, and keen to learn. Initiative is key—we want someone whose eyes are lit with passion but also trained to spot tasks and step up where help is needed. Please note that farm life demands resilience; a delicate disposition simply won’t suffice.
Interns Will Have the Opportunity to Work On:
1. Daily agricultural production
2. Facilitating and preparing for farm-based nature education programmes
3. Product design, short-video production, and marketing
4. Routine farm maintenance and logistics
Mentorship & Training Provided:
1. Ecological agricultural cultivation on the farm
2. Farm management and operations
3. Designing and organising nature education and experiential learning programmes
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04 Yuefeng Island Organic Farm
Jiangsu · Kunshan
Yuefeng Island Organic Farm was established and funded by Kunshan City Investment Group, and is designated as a National Ecological Farm. Covering 230 mu (c. 15 hectares), it began operations in 2010 on the shores of Yangcheng Lake in Kunshan. The farm safeguards water sources through soil-friendly organic cultivation, with the maintenance of soil health at its core, putting organic principles into practice. By applying landscape garden design techniques, Yuefeng Island integrates agriculture with landscaping, cultivating a comprehensive aquatic ecosystem alongside a rich terrestrial one. This has created a layered landscape where arable fields, vegetable gardens, wetlands, woodlands, and distinctive architectural plots coexist. Grounded in farming practices, the farm explores the ecological value of agriculture, systematically documents local farming culture, compiles materials for agricultural science activities, and delivers a diverse range of farming-based educational programmes.
Ecological Farm Mentor
Tang Yaozhong
Head of Production Technology at Yuefeng Island Organic Farm and a local specialist in organic rice cultivation, Tang oversees the entire site’s production and daily operations. He leads the team in strictly adhering to organic production and management standards, while actively exploring sustainable ecological agriculture. In collaboration with research institutes across and beyond the province, he collects and conserves germplasm resources of regional specialty varieties, screening those best suited for local cultivation and promotion, such as Suyu glutinous rice, duck-blood glutinous rice, and local taro. At the farm, he designs edible landscapes that blend education with hands-on experience, working with local schools and families to co-develop food and farming education courses.
Interns We Hope to Welcome: We encourage young people to join the farm’s various research projects and help document its cultivation and management practices; we also aim to build a talent pipeline for the farm’s future development. Ideal candidates will bring a strong sense of curiosity and a drive for exploration, alongside a grounded, hard-working attitude.Work Interns Can Undertake at the Farm: Cultivation, experimental research (growing and recording traditional varieties).
Guidance Available to Interns:
1. Agricultural production and farm management
2. Mentorship on experiments and research related to soil improvement, traditional variety conservation, and biodiversity
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05 Green Me Farm
Xianyang, Shaanxi
Green Me Farm is situated in the heart of Shaanxi’s Guanzhong Plain, alongside the historic Zhengguo Canal. Established by Dahei in 2014, it follows Australian regenerative farming methods. Its approach is guided by the principle of “addressing issues before they take root”, with the fundamental aim of restoring and strengthening soil vitality. The farm uses soil-activation blends made from purely natural ingredients and a variety of green manures. Attuned to the specific character of the land, it has developed and adapted appropriate conservation tillage machinery alongside other systematic methods. The goal is to achieve healthy soils, resilient crops, reduced labour demands, and an environmentally friendly operation.
Eco Farm Mentor
Dahei
Founded Green Me Farm in 2014, he has studied and applied regenerative farming methods, established a local regenerative agriculture association, and works as a trainer. He has also adapted a wide range of agricultural machinery that preserves soil structure and is well-suited to local conditions.
What we look for in an intern: Our vision is for the farm to evolve into a social enterprise that plays an active role in nurturing the next generation of ecological farmers and cultivating talent within the sustainability sector. We are looking for interns who genuinely wish to engage in hands-on agricultural work. Skilled frontline workers are currently the most sought after. Grounded experience in field production is essential, as it directly supports and enables all other farm operations.Intern duties: Interns will be involved in every aspect of the farm’s day-to-day operations. A farm is an integrated system, not a series of disconnected tasks, so learning here must be holistic and comprehensive.
Support and guidance provided: We offer mentorship across the full spectrum of farming, from foundational theory to practical application. Together, we will explore various areas, including product development, marketing, sales, and beyond.
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06 Liangliang Family Farm
Chengdu, Sichuan
Established in 2013 and spanning approximately 2 hectares (30 mu), the farm focuses primarily on young yellow ginger cultivation, alongside a variety of vegetables (including carrots), grains, and oilseed crops, practising a rotation system of vegetables, grain/oil crops, and green manure. It hosts farm-based activities such as agricultural food education, residential camps, and summer camps. Liangliang Farm is a family-run operation rooted in a local village, dedicated to bringing rural families together, practising ecologically friendly farming, and building an ecological community (Niujiaoyan Living Village). It maintains strong connections and regular interaction with the host village.
ECOLOGICAL FARM INSTRUCTOR
Tang Liang
Born in the mid-1980s, Tang Liang is the founder and manager of Liangliang Farm. He graduated from Southwest University with a degree in Biological Sciences in 2008 and initially worked at a technology company in Chongqing. Between 2011 and 2013, he spent two years interning at the Xiaomaolü (Little Donkey) and Sharing Harvest ecological farms. In 2013, he returned to his hometown to establish Liangliang Family Farm (Tangjia Liangliang Farm), committing to ecologically friendly agriculture, uniting rural families, and exploring a rural way of life closer to the essence of living. Becoming a father in 2020, he hopes to use his own hands to create a vibrant home for his child to grow up in, while continuing to explore the development of a local ecological community and a future living village.
We are looking for interns who: are passionate about or genuinely wish to understand ecological agriculture and rural life; take a proactive, grounded approach to work, daily living, and learning; and are not simply seeking a brief, superficial trial. You should be comfortable assisting with basic farm tasks, capable of cooking for yourself (or at least willing to give it a proper go), and possess solid learning skills. You will work cooperatively with farm and community staff to complete assigned tasks, ensuring you leave with a truly meaningful experience at the end of your internship. Roles available for interns: cultivation, market sales, outreach and promotion, assistance with farm events, and community development at Niujiaoyan Living Village, among others. (Note: In a family farm and community of this nature, roles are rarely siloed. You will typically engage in a diverse range of tasks, including developing practical living skills).
Guidance provided to interns: ecological farming techniques, farm management and operations, household management, and ecological village development/community building.
*Liangliang Farm has also launched a Rural Life Partnership Programme, and we welcome you to join in this capacity. Compared to the internship track, rural life partners enjoy greater flexibility. You will be responsible for covering basic accommodation and meal costs, offering a relatively low-cost way to immerse yourself in rural living and working.
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Established in August 2015, Xiqing Farm grows strawberries and a range of seasonal vegetables. At Xiqing, our cultivation philosophy centres on using quality soil to produce high-quality crops. Fertiliser relies primarily on green manure, supplemented with plant-based compost. Over four years, we have cultivated a foundational ecosystem on the farm, one whose biodiversity continues to thrive and expand.
Ecological Farm Mentor
Wang Xin
Born in the mid-1980s, Wang Xin graduated from Beijing University of Agriculture with a degree in landscape plants. He began researching ecological agriculture in 2011, dedicated to nurturing healthy, organic living through quality soil.
What I hope from an intern: to help grow the number of ecological smallholders and family farms. Only when more growers are willing to cultivate with real care will the sector’s landscape—or its overall health—slowly begin to improve. Someone needs to champion and advance this shift in thinking. I’ve always wanted to take on an intern: someone who genuinely loves ecological farming and is ready to settle in and commit to the work. If you want to study this at a Japanese agricultural school, you’ll have to pay tuition and there’s still no guarantee of acceptance. Who wants to learn from me? Let’s get started. Tasks open to interns: cropping, farm management, marketing (including outreach).
Guidance provided to interns: nurturing the observational, practical, and decision-making skills of aspiring ecological farmers—for example, how to observe, read, and understand soil, plants, insects, and weather patterns.
08 Yirun Planting Farm: Happy Fruits & Herbal Garden
Yan Ping’s orchard sits beside the Shitang Reservoir in Jidou Village, Wule Township, Guigang City, Guangxi. She cultivates 40 mu of Orah mandarins, 10 mu of Shatang mandarins, over 60 lychee trees, and more than 50 banana trees, alongside intercropped bamboo sugar cane and a variety of coarse grains and wild vegetables. Having begun trials on pesticide- and fertiliser-free management for six rows of fruit trees in June 2018, and progressing to a full ecological transition for the entire orchard by 2020, Yan Ping has grown into a new-generation ecological farmer grounded in both vision and practice.
Ecological Farm Mentor
Xie Yanping
Fellow farmers like to call me Sister Yan Ping. After finishing high school, I left my hometown to work in Guangdong. After two decades of drifting, I have returned to the land. My hope is to simply live on the farm, working each day to stay fit and provide for my family. What follows is my understanding of ecology, and the direction and goals guiding me on this path: Every inch of soil is a haven for microorganisms. When this land becomes a sanctuary for all life, where organisms nourish and regulate one another in symbiotic flourishing, the principle of reaping what you sow holds true. Only when the food forest serves as a food forest for all creatures can ecology become as natural and straightforward as the turning of the seasons and the passage of day and night.
What we are looking for in interns: Like-minded individuals to share life and work with, encouraging one another to rise with the sun and rest with the moon.Tasks interns can take part in: Working and living together, learning from nature side by side
Guidance we can offer interns: Planting, Market (Sales), Market (Promotion), Farm Events (Hospitality), Customer Service
Additionally, Foodthink’s partner organisation, the Farmers Seed Network, also plans to welcome interns this year. For those interested not only in farms but also in community culture, we invite you to learn more about:
Founded in 2013, the Farmers Seed Network has worked across 40 rural communities in 14 provinces nationwide. Through action research and diverse innovation in agricultural biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and sustainable food systems, it empowers smallholder farmers and supports their sustainable livelihoods. It was among the first organisations in China to apply participatory research methods to agricultural biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. Guided by the principles of participatory development and action research, it encourages collaboration between communities and public research institutions to protect, utilise, and innovate with local landraces, fostering sustainable development in both urban and rural communities. The network has championed key mechanisms for seed diversity conservation and utilisation across the country, including participatory plant breeding, community seed resource registration, and community seed banks. In the millet homeland of Aohan, Inner Mongolia; the dryland terraces of Wangjinhuang, Handan, Hebei; the Zhuang communities of Mashan, Guangxi; and the Naxi stone city of Lijiang, Yunnan—we have witnessed the dedication and achievements of local community leaders in conserving and utilising genetic resources. Steadfast and wise, they guard their own lands and livelihoods. If you are drawn to our work and these communities, you are warmly invited to join us. Here, you will engage with agricultural biodiversity conservation that is both deeply rooted and cutting-edge, learn vibrant and time-tested traditional knowledge, and participate in community-building while gaining expertise in plant breeding and cultivation. We also welcome you to bring your own skills to the community. Grow alongside it, bear witness to each other’s journeys, and become one of the many little seeds that help amplify the community’s voice.
Coordination: Mei YingPhotography: Farm Mentors, Foodthink
