BC farms > Vancouver & Cariboo Farms

Farm #1 - Full for 2010, please apply for 2011.

Located on the Fraser River's floodplains in the spectacular Glen Valley (only 60km from Vancouver), this co-operatively-owned farm has two businesses that sell fruit and vegetable crops at a variety of markets throughout the Lower Mainland. We're looking for apprentices interested in pursuing a career in small-scale agriculture. Through an apprenticeship on our farm you will gain a comprehensive understanding of operating a diversified, small-scale, certified organic farm. From crop planning, business management and seeding to weeding, harvesting and marketing, we offer a holistic understanding of agriculture and a small community of dedicated farmers who live on the farm. On-farm accommodation, access to farm food and a fair wage offered to apprentices. There is a long-term opportunity to farm with us if we feel there is a good fit after a full season.

Location: Abbottsford, BC. 67 km southeast of Vancouver, 1 hr drive.

Farm #2

This farm is currently located on a 40 acre parcel of Crown land, less than 5 km outside the City of Langley. The farm is approximately 25 miles from the City of Vancouver, proper and easily accessible by mass transit. The farm runs a vegetable CSA which provides 20 weekly distributions to as many as 120 families each week. For 2010, I am hoping to find 2 experienced apprentices for the full season, (March/April to November/December). These apprentices would be involved in all aspects of the farm operation, including use of all tools and equipment. While these two apprenticeship positions would only be for a single season, i am looking for candidates who are self starting, responsible and would have the potential of finding a long term home at this farm. Candidates with the ability and commitment necessary to fill that role and to assist with the expansion of the CSA would clearly merit a larger stipend than those not so motivated. The exact terms of the apprenticeship (start date, end date, hours of work, days off and vacations, stipend) are to some degree flexible and can be discussed when you respond to this invitation. In the past two years, people participating as informal apprentices have obtained between $500 and $800 per month depending on experience, length of stay and hours of work. Each of the two apprentices would have their own private living space, but would be welcome to spend leisure time in the house's main living room. Most meals are prepared in the house kitchen and food is purchased for all from the common fund. The house is vegetarian and all farm team members would be expected to share in basic household tasks.

Location: Langley, BC. 5 km from Langley, 40 km southeast of Vancouver.

Farm #3

Learn to milk goats and make cheese and yogurt on a 20 acre farm in a rural community 70 kms from Vancouver. This certified organic farm is owned by a homeschooling family with 20 years farming experience. They have 60+ milking goats, a few chickens, pigs, calves, a small vegetable garden, fruit and nut trees and a great library on farming and cheesemaking. Apprentices will live with the family with their own room.

Location: Abbottsford, BC. 70 km southeast of Vancouver, 1 hr drive.

Farm #4 - Full for 2010, please apply for 2011.

This twenty acre farm is located 70km east of Vancouver. It has fruit and nut trees, wooded areas, coldframes, and fields, two houses, a cabin, and other various outbuildings. A group of ten diverse individuals live on this twenty acre farm co-op that is also linked to a housing co-op in Vancouver. Our common goal is to steward the land in a sustainable manner using organic methods and applying permacultural principals. This urban-rural co-op was started over 25 years ago. For almost twenty of those years, an organic salad company owned by some residents has been growing mixed salad greens, vegetables, and herbs. The land is rich in preserved riparian zones and mixed fruit and nut trees. Apprentices will have an opportunity to learn about all areas of plant care and the economics of running a viable organic farming enterprise. Other areas of potential learning include: no-till agriculture, seed growing, edible landscaping, farmers markets, cooperative land ownership and communal living.

Location: Aldergrove, BC. 65 km southeast of Vancouver, 55 minutes.

Farm #5

In the semi-arid wilderness of the Fraser Canyon, tucked into the forest, is a vegetable and fruit farm nourished by pure mountain water. Gabriel and Katie grow a variety of crops for sale at Vancouver Farmers Markets, restaurants, and stores. In addition to many varieties of garlic, onions, basil, cucumbers, celeriac, fennel, squash, zucchini, peaches, cherries, apples, pears, and plums, etc. they specialize in growing over 50 varieties of heirloom tomatoes. Apprentices will have many different learning opportunities such as: seed saving, cover cropping, compost building, marketing strategies, preparing each week for deliveries, canning, drying fruit, and processing salves. Apprentices will have their own cabin next to the forest. We love to create wonderful feasts from the garden: omnivorous in nature and organic, of course. In addition, there are many visitors who come to share in the enjoyment of summer. A generous stipend is available.

Location: Lytton, BC. 260 km northeast of Vancouver 3 hr drive.

Farm #6

Farm #7

Farm #8

Located between the towns of Williams Lake and Quesnel, this 105 acre farm grows mixed vegetables on 5 acres that are sold through farmers markets and a CSA program. Apprentices can learn about planning, planting, maintaining, and harvesting in the garden. Interested apprentices may also take part in work with horses, writing articles for the weekly CSA newsletter and building projects around the farm. Apprentice would have their own small cabin.

Location: Quesnel, BC. 588 km north of Vancouver, 6 hr 45 minutes drive.

Farm #9 - Coming soon!

Farm #10

Farm #11

This Bio-dynamic herb farm in the Upper Fraser Valley farms with diversity and wild plants/herbs. Horticulture interests have been indulged somewhat with greenhouses and walk-in cold frames. Veggies,fruits and nuts, and also outside cats(8), 10 chickens(eggs) and 1 goat called Houdini add to the mix. A unique landscape and one half of farm in forest inspires many planned projects.There are recreational activities in the area. For the apprentice learning opportunities and challenges abound but you can learn organic horticulture, nursery and low environmental impact greenhouse management, herb and plant cultivation and harvesting also herb and plant identification and small scale food raising with Bio-dynamics and composting. Farmers markets in Vancouver and their preparation is also a learned skill. One,two people or a couple are welcome. Surrounded on three sides by mountains and clean rivers nearby in a gardening friendly climate adds to the satisfying work.

Location: Chillawack, BC. 101 km east of Vancouver, 1 hr 15 minutes drive.