The Land is Calling: Urgent Recruitment Before the 1st

At the same time, we have observed that many newcomers to ecological farming continue to stumble through the same pitfalls and incur unnecessary costs. This inefficiency not only hampers the sector’s growth and deters young people keen on pursuing a career in ecological agriculture, but also risks tarnishing the reputation of the movement as a whole.

Through our reporting on farmers, we have also found that those who spend time learning and working on established farms before launching their own ventures tend to avoid many common detours. In some cases, they are able to break even—or even turn a profit—relatively quickly. It is worth noting, however, that operating at a loss or merely breaking even remains the prevailing reality for the majority of ecological farms in China.

With this in mind, Foodthink and the Lianhe Plan launched the Ecological Agriculture Internship Programme in 2021. The initiative aims to support both young people keen on entering the field and established ecological farms. It provides hands-on training so that newcomers can acquire essential agricultural knowledge and skills, while ensuring that the hard-won expertise of veteran farmers is properly documented and passed down. At the same time, it supplies farms with highly skilled talent and injects fresh vitality into rural communities.

To date, we have successfully completed two recruitment cohorts, placing over 40 participants into more than 10 ecological farms nationwide for placements ranging from two months to a year. The second cohort of interns formally completed their placements at the end of 2023.

Phase Three is now accepting applications for both interns and host farms.

Whether you are keen to pursue a career in ecological agriculture and want to acquire practical farming skills, or you are interested in agricultural issues and wish to explore sustainable, environment-friendly rural development through hands-on experience, we warmly invite you to apply for Phase Three of our Eco-farm Internship Programme!

If you run a farm that is open to hosting interns, you are also welcome to apply to become a farm mentor. Please find the application link at the end of this article.

If you simply wish to learn more about ecological farming techniques, please join Foodthink’s Survey on the Demand for Ecological Farming Techniques.

Before you apply, let’s take a look at the experiences of our Phase Two interns over the past year.

Some internship participants have left the city behind to immerse themselves in rural life, discovering that “a farm is like a big family” and realising they have “met so many lovely people that they can’t imagine finding such a ‘paradise’ anywhere else.” One intern worked hard selling melons at a farm once visited by actors Hu Ge and Liu Tao, and when the fruit wouldn’t shift, they simply enjoyed all the melons they could eat. Others brewed coffee in a shipping container on sweltering days, patiently reminding customers to sort their waste. They also looked after children on educational outings, went on desert hiking and camping trips, and spent entire nights chatting around a campfire.

The friendships forged through ecological farming will continue to nourish them all in the years to come.

Some interns truly experienced the hard graft of face-to-the-soil labour, shedding any romanticised notions of agriculture. Gaining a real appreciation for the challenges farmers face, their resolve to dedicate themselves to ecological farming in the future has only strengthened.

Some participants have also used their internships to spark a series of reflections on ecological agriculture:

“The environmental damage and social inequalities stemming from agriculture are dilemmas rooted in broader societal structures—political, economic, educational, historical, and cultural. As individuals, how do we make sense of such a complex predicament and respond to it?”

“In today’s society, relying solely on farming simply isn’t enough to sustain a livelihood; you also need to excel at marketing and service provision. But exactly how do you go about it?”

The host farms have also spoken highly of the internship programme.

“From fearing a single flea to rolling about on the grass; from crying at the sight of a snake to staying on the hillside without needing us around; from refusing to cook to taking turns preparing the meals for a full week… Along the way, they’ve experienced every flavour and emotion—I believe they’ve truly tasted it all!” — Yan Ping, Xingfu Guo Baicaoyuan, Guigang, Guangxi

“The interns are passionate about ecological agriculture and approach their work with diligence and reflection. Although they may not yet be fully proficient with practical farm tasks and occasionally feel uncertain, I’m confident that everyone who completes this programme will walk away with a uniquely enriching experience, gaining a far more direct understanding of ecological farming, rural life, and family-run farms.” — Tang Liang, Liangliang Farm, Chengdu, Sichuan

What will the farms and farm mentors provide?

• Hands-on learning and expert mentoring: Tailored guidance in crop cultivation, machinery operation, marketing, and farm management, aligned with each intern’s interests and the farm’s practical needs. Interns will engage in a variety of tasks including planting, promotional outreach, hosting farm events, and daily maintenance, gaining firsthand experience of farm life while mastering the techniques and management principles of ecological agriculture.
• Research and innovation: Opportunities to contribute to on-farm research projects covering soil improvement, heritage variety preservation, and biodiversity studies, as well as helping to design and coordinate nature-based educational workshops and retreats.
• Community engagement: The chance to participate in initiatives that connect the farm with the local community, such as co-operative operations, and to observe how agriculture can play a vital role within rural communities.
• Personal growth: Build practical farming experience and essential life skills, learn how to live self-sufficiently in a rural setting, and connect with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions.

What we are looking for in interns

• Can commit to at least three months living and working full-time on the farm, dedicating a minimum of five days per week;
• Attend fortnightly online group learning sessions and actively take part in day-to-day exchanges within the intern community;
• Approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn from both nature and experienced farmers;
• Have a resilient disposition and a strong work ethic, willing to undertake physical labour on the farm and assist with other operational tasks;
• Maintain a detailed internship journal and submit a reflective summary upon completion.

Internship periods

Partner farm recruitment

Most of the farm mentors who took part in our internship programme in 2022 and 2023 are keen to welcome interns again. All these farms operate according to ecological agriculture principles. While their specific focuses differ, they have each accumulated invaluable experience in farm management, cultivation techniques, and commercial operations. We warmly welcome more farms to join the initiative.

If your ecological farm has been established for some time and you wish to bring in fresh perspectives, inject new energy, and mentor the next generation, we invite you to scan the QR code at the end of this article to apply to host an intern. We will be in touch to discuss further and, following an on-site visit, will determine whether to list your farm as a recommended internship host.

Below are the farms already participating in the internship programme:

01 Yinlin Ecological FarmConghua, Guangzhou

Yinlin Farm was established in 2009 and spans over 70 mu. Since 2013, the farm has practised ecological cultivation, focusing primarily on vegetable production in harmony with natural cycles. Beyond completely avoiding synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilisers, and herbicides, the farm remains committed to methods that are gentle on the soil, the environment, and human health. By producing its own compost and employing cover cropping, Yinlin Farm actively enhances soil structure and biodiversity. Through a continuous deepening of their scientific understanding of ecological agriculture, they have gradually developed their own proprietary cultivation system.

Ecological Farm Mentor｜Guo Rui

Graduating 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, subsequently completing courses in natural farming, regenerative agriculture, and soil improvement. He continues to study and refine ecological cultivation techniques. His vision is to provide a comfortable living environment for his family, a joyful upbringing for his children, and safe, nutritious food for consumers.

 

 

 

What we hope for our interns: We want more young people to discover and become involved in ecological farming. The farm also needs youthful energy to assist with crop management, record-keeping, and marketing and promotional efforts, with the long-term goal of involving them in the overall running of the farm. Ecological agriculture needs a new generation to carry it forward. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about ecological farming or healthy living, willing to dedicate themselves to learning, self-disciplined, hands-on, and respectful of veteran farmers.

Roles available for farm interns: Crop cultivation, marketing (promotional outreach), farm events (guest reception);

Mentorship and training provided: Ecological farming techniques, machinery operation, farm management, marketing, and more.

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02 Letian Haiwan Farm Shanghai · Fengxian

Letian Haiwan Farm spans 86 mu, with over 40 mu dedicated to woodland, over 20 mu to cultivation, and the remainder as communal space. Established in April 2020, the farm promotes a “five days in the city, two days on the farm” countryside lifestyle. Its primary offering is plot leasing for urban dwellers, alongside a curriculum of farming education, nature experiences, and handcraft workshops.

Ecological Farm Mentor | Yuan Qinghua

A Master’s graduate from Renmin University of China, he has been engaged in China’s rural development work since 2003 under the guidance of Professor Wen Tiejun. His past roles include General Manager at Little Donkey Citizens’ Farm, General Manager at Design Harvest, and Operations Director at Chuangzhi Farm. He currently serves as General Manager of Letian Haiwan Farm. In 2008, he studied natural farming under South Korean pioneer Cho Han-gyu, and obtained a Permaculture Design Certificate from Geoff Lawton in Hong Kong in 2010. He completed Cornell University’s Nature Education Certification Course in 2019. From 2009 to 2010, he spent a year in Thailand undertaking systematic organic farming training at the Mae Sompop (Rice God) centre.

 

 

What we look for in an intern: We hope to welcome young people to bring fresh energy and vitality to the farm. We are looking for creative minds who can contribute ideas to farm development, help enrich our event programming with new and innovative offerings, and refine our course curriculum. We also encourage bold experimentation with various social media channels to elevate the farm’s public profile. Applicants should possess a grounded mindset, a strong work ethic, and the resilience to thrive in a farm environment. Interns are expected to adhere to farm protocols, demonstrate a proactive attitude towards learning, and apply their new knowledge practically throughout their placement.

Roles available for farm interns:

1. Crop cultivation

2. Marketing: sales, promotional outreach, and customer service

3. Farm events (guest reception)

4. Farm development projects, and more

Mentorship and training provided: Hands-on learning in diverse ecological farming techniques, including natural farming, permaculture, biological composting, machinery maintenance, and farm infrastructure development. Interns will also gain practical insights and lessons learned in farm operations and management.

03 Zhiliangtian Ecological FarmInner Mongolia · Alxa

The farm spans 1,000 mu, with 160 mu dedicated to cultivation. Primary crops include melons and millet. The farm also collaborates with partners across the Alxa region to produce ecological prunes and desert lamb, among other products.

Ecological Farm Mentor | Ma Yanwei

Co-founder of Alxa Zhiliangtian Ecological Farm and Zhixing Study Tours, with a Master’s degree in Ecology from Beijing Normal University. He joined the Alxa SEE Ecological Association in 2005. Following his tenure there, he settled in Alxa and established Zhiliangtian Ecological Farm.

 

 

 

 

What we look for in an intern: A genuine interest in farm life and work, coupled with a reliable, hardworking, and inquisitive nature. We value initiative—someone who is both keen-eyed and hands-on, always ready to step in and help where needed. Please note that farm work is physically demanding, so a robust and down-to-earth attitude is essential.

Roles available for farm interns:

1. Daily farming operations

2. Facilitation and preparation of farm-based nature education sessions

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

4. Routine farm maintenance and logistical support

Mentorship and training provided:

1. Ecological cultivation techniques on the farm

2. Farm management and operational oversight

3. Design and coordination of nature education and study-tour programmes

04 Yuefengdao Organic FarmJiangsu · Kunshan

Yuefengdao Organic Farm was established and funded by the Kunshan Construction Investment Group and holds national-level ecological farm status. Spanning 230 mu (approximately 15 hectares), operations commenced in 2010 on the banks of Yangcheng Lake in Kunshan. The farm safeguards water sources through soil-friendly organic cultivation methods, with soil health as its central focus, steadfastly adhering to organic principles. By applying landscape and garden design techniques, Yuefengdao blends agriculture with the natural scenery, fostering a well-balanced aquatic ecosystem alongside a rich terrestrial one. This has resulted in a layered landscape where cropland, vegetable gardens, wetlands, woodland, and distinctive architectural zones coexist. Rooted in traditional farming practices, the farm explores their ecological value, systematically archives local agricultural heritage, creates educational resources for agricultural science, and runs diverse farming education programmes.

Ecological Farm Mentor｜Tang Yaozhong

As Head of Production Technology at Yuefengdao Organic Farm and a local specialist in organic rice cultivation, he oversees production and daily operations across the entire estate. He leads the team in strictly adhering to organic production standards in both farming and management, while actively exploring sustainable ecological agriculture. He also collaborates with provincial and national research institutes to collect and conserve germplasm resources of local specialty varieties, screening for crops suited to local cultivation and wider promotion, such as Suyu glutinous rice, Yaxue glutinous rice, and indigenous taro. On the farm, he designs edible landscapes that blend education with enjoyment, and partners with local schools and families with children to co-develop food and agriculture outreach programmes.

 

 

Who We’re Looking for: We invite young people to participate in several of the farm’s research projects, helping to document our cultivation and management practices. This role also serves as a pathway to build a talent pipeline for the farm’s future development. We seek interns with a strong sense of curiosity, a spirit of exploration, and a grounded, hardworking attitude.

Intern Responsibilities: Cultivation and experimental research (planting and documenting heritage varieties).

Mentorship and Guidance Provided:

1. Agricultural production and farm management

2. Supervision and guidance on experiments and research relating to soil improvement, heritage variety conservation, and biodiversity

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05 Lvwo Farm Xianyang, Shaanxi

Green Me Farm is situated in the heart of the Guanzhong plain in Shaanxi, alongside the Zhengguo Canal. Founded by Dahei in 2014, the farm practises Australian dynamic farming methods. Guided by the principle of “preventing issues before they arise,” the farm’s approach centres on restoring and enhancing soil vitality. It employs soil-activating blends made from entirely natural ingredients, a diverse range of green manures, and systematically developed conservation tillage equipment tailored to the farm’s specific conditions. Through these integrated methods, the farm aims to achieve healthy soil, resilient crops, reduced labour demands, and environmental sustainability.

Ecological Farm Mentor | Dahei

Founded Green Me Farm in 2014. He has studied and practised dynamic farming methods, established a local dynamic farming association, and teaches as an instructor. He has also adapted a wide range of agricultural machinery to suit local conditions without damaging soil structure.

 

 

 

What We’re Looking For: We envision the farm evolving into a social enterprise, dedicated to training the next generation of ecological farmers and nurturing talent within the sustainable agriculture sector. We are seeking interns who genuinely want to engage in practical, hands-on agricultural work. Frontline production staff are in highest demand, and grounding your experience in fieldwork will significantly support the wider operations of the farm.

Scope of Work for Interns: Interns will be involved in every aspect of farm operations. A farm functions as a cohesive whole and cannot be divided into isolated fragments; therefore, the learning experience should be equally comprehensive.

Mentorship & Guidance Available: We offer support across the full spectrum, from theoretical understanding to practical application. Whether it is product development, sales, or other areas, we will explore and learn together.

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06 Liangliang Family Farm Sichuan · Chengdu

Established in 2013, the farm spans 30 mu (approximately 2 hectares) and focuses on cultivating small yellow ginger, alongside a range of vegetables including carrots and wheat, as well as grain and oilseed crops. Crops are managed through a rotation system of vegetables, grains and oilseeds, and green manure. The farm runs a variety of activities, including agricultural food education workshops, residential retreats, and summer camps.

Liangliang Farm is a community-rooted family operation dedicated to bringing rural families together, practising ecological farming, and developing an ecological community (Niujiaoyan Life Village). It maintains strong ties and regular engagement with the host village.

Ecological Farm Lead | Tang Liang

Born in the mid-1980s, Tang Liang is the founder and lead 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 completed a two-year placement at the Little Donkey and Sharing Harvest ecological farms. In 2013, he returned to his hometown to establish Liangliang Family Farm (also known as Tang Family Liangliang Farm), where he practises ecological farming, unites rural families, and explores a rural way of life that honours the natural rhythms of living things.

After becoming a father in 2020, he is driven by the desire to use his own hands to create a vibrant, life-affirming home for his child, while continuing to explore the development of a local ecological community and future village living.

 

 

Who we are looking for: We seek interns who genuinely care about or wish to deeply understand ecological agriculture and rural living. We value proactive, grounded individuals ready to commit fully to work, daily life, and learning—rather than those seeking a brief, superficial experience. You should be willing to take part in basic farm tasks, capable of preparing your own meals (or at least keen to try), possess a strong willingness to learn, and work cooperatively with farm and community staff. By the end of your placement, we hope you will feel your time was thoroughly rewarding.

Areas of work for interns: Crop production, market sales, communications and promotion, support for farm events, and community development for Niujiaoyan Life Village, among others. (Please note: in a family farm/community setting like this, roles are not siloed. You will typically engage in a variety of tasks, which may also include developing everyday life skills.)

Mentorship and guidance provided: Ecological farming techniques, farm operations and management, family life skills, and eco-village development/community building.

*Liangliang Farm also offers a Rural Life Partner Programme, and we warmly welcome applications through this route. Compared with the internship, the partner role offers greater flexibility. Participants cover basic accommodation and meal costs, providing an affordable way to experience rural living and work.

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07 Xiqing Farm Beijing

Xiqing Farm was established in August 2015, growing strawberries and a variety of seasonal vegetables. Our philosophy is simple: nurture high-quality soil to produce premium crops. We rely primarily on green manure, supplemented with plant-based compost. Over four years, we have built a foundational ecosystem on the farm, one that continues to grow richer in biodiversity.

Eco-Farm Mentor | Wang Xin

Born in the mid-1980s, he graduated from Beijing University of Agriculture with a major in Landscape Horticulture. Since 2011, he has been researching ecological agriculture, driven by the belief that healthy soil is the foundation of a wholesome, organic way of life.

 

 

 

 

What We Look for in Interns: We need to encourage the growth of ecological smallholder farms and family-run plots. Only when more growers are genuinely committed to careful cultivation will the industry’s landscape slowly improve. Championing this shift requires dedicated advocates. I have long wanted to take on interns—specifically those who share a passion for ecological growing and are ready to roll up their sleeves and commit fully. Learning these methods at a Japanese agricultural school would require hefty tuition fees and isn’t even guaranteed. Who wants to learn from me? Step forward.

Areas of Work: Crop cultivation, farm management, and marketing (communications)

Mentorship Provided: Developing the observational, practical, and decision-making skills of aspiring ecological farmers. This includes learning how to read the soil, plants, insects, and weather patterns, and building a deeper understanding of ecological systems.

–  Application Link  –   

If you are ready to take on this internship, please complete the application form below. We encourage you to reflect carefully and ensure you are fully committed to dedicating the required time to this programme.

Intern Application Form

If your ecological farm wishes to join our internship programme and host interns, please complete the following form.

Farm Participation Form

Application Deadline: 6 March

*If your application passes the initial screening, we will contact you by phone or email within two weeks of your submission. Please keep an eye on your inbox. Should you not hear from us by 7 March, unfortunately, your application was not shortlisted. We appreciate your understanding.

See you in the fields in 2024!

Coordinator: Mei Ying

Editor: Tian Le

Photography: Past interns, farm mentors, Foodthink