Vancouver Island Farms
Farm #1
Learn the key to whole farm systems planning on this beautiful 30 acre heritage farm in East Sooke: one and a half acres of certified organic vegetable garden, 3 greenhouses,11 acres pasture and the remainder wooded. It is located approximately 45 min from Victoria by car in East Sooke, a beautiful area with ocean parks, very well known for hiking and cycling. This husband and wife team work on commercial market gardening, lumber milling, greenhouse production, sheep, and chickens. A market on the farm on Saturdays services the local market and seasonal visitors. They have a wonderful wood oven for baking bread and a lovely old farm house. Apprentices live on site sharing some facilities with the family. Regional group learning days are a bonus for SOIL apprentices.
Farm #2
Learn all the skills you need to operate your own farm. Originally homesteaded in 1910, this 15 acre, certified organic farm has 6 acres in cultivation growing a variety of fruits, herbs, flowers and vegetables with a small orchard, as well as chickens, pigs and six greenhouses. You will take part in selling produce at two farmers markets, through a box program, and to local restaurants. The owner of the farm has been farming full time for 18 years and is an experienced teacher who teaches farming at the local college. Apprentices can choose to learn a variety of things in addition to the daily tasks of growing and marketing produce - such as drying herbs for tea, seed saving for the small seed company, carpentry, and natural building techniques. Apprentices may live in a cob house, a trailer, or in the farm house where we have lunch together. Live near the small town of Sooke, 35 km from Victoria. Go swimming in a lovely lake which is a ten minute walk away and twenty minutes will bring you to the best beaches on the West Coast.
Farm #3
This organic plant nursery is a great opportunity for someone interested in learning about propagation and cultivation of open-pollinated vegetables, herbs and old fashioned flowers. Centrally located in West Saanich, a 15 minute bus trip from Victoria, the 2.5 acres sits in a sunny open meadow surrounded by Douglas Fir and horse pastures. There is a small orchard and a large demonstration garden where apprentices can learn to grow and collect seeds which are sold through a small seed company. Ongoing workshops open to the public are held at the nursery and there is an extensive resource library available. Apprentice would live with the family and sharing household chores and vegetarian meals.
Farm #4
This farm, located in East Sooke, has been a certified vegetable, fruit, herb and seed farm since 2000. The outstanding natural landscape of the coast and rainforest enchant this 1912 heritage farm. We work together as a team to create beautiful high quality products for excellent local restaurants and markets. The experience and unconditional learning is endless with the huge desire to support food security, biodiversity, sustainable living and rootsy wisdom. Everyone is in constant learning on this farm and it is well suited for those who adore the outdoors, want to use their bodies in their daily work, like both team and individual experiences and have a great curiosity about the rhythmn of the farm.
Farm #5
A 23 acre certified organic farm serving the community with fresh, organic product as well as providing social space for farm events. Approximately 10 acres in production, made up of tree fruit, berries, bees, greenhouse, and vegetable field production. Close to Nanoose Community Centre and on a bus line linking Nanaimo, Lantzville, Nanoose, Parksville and Qualicum Beach. Close to most recreational facilities. Independent living space with some meals prepared and eaten in common. Good biking area. The owners have farm on this land for 20 years and teach courses, do presentations and will be workng with the local school board on a food program.
Farm #6
We are a small certified organic farmstead cheese operation on Salt Spring Island. We care for a small herd of registered, purebred Jersey cows and transform their milk into fine cheese. If you are interested in learning about livestock and/or dairy farming, we offer an excellent opportunity to follow the cow through her seasonal changes from birthing to dry down. Learn about caring for cows in transition, rearing young stock, breeding and calving as well as natural remedies for every day cow problems. If you are interested in learning about cheese making, we will train you in all aspects of our craft. This is a good opportunity to learn a very portable skill. There is a cabin common area with living area, kitchen and bath where workers prepare meals and socialize. There are three trailers for privacy and sleeping. The farm has a small but productive garden, milk, cheese, eggs and beef. The farm is a mix of pasture and woods (33 acres owned and leased) with about 25 Jerseys. Salt Spring has an active organic community and a vibrant community life. We offer a stipend to apprentices and look forward to hearing from you.
Farm #7
An opportunity for an enthusiastic and skilled family to be part of a mixed organic farm community. The 300 acre homestead on Cortez Island provides a healthy environment and teaches us to be more self sufficient. A large garden, woodlot, orchard, milk cows, laying hens, and an alternative energy system. It is isolated and beautiful. A working farm to be shared for the mutual benefit and enjoyment of everyone. Separate home available to rent as part of this longer-term commitment opportunity.
Farm #8
This 15 acre farm on Salt Spring Island is close to the lake, the ocean, and not too far from town. There is a small forest and salmon enhancement creek with many ponds on the property. Learn all aspects of market gardening and farm politics, with some small orchard and greenhouse production as well. Many opportunities for hands on learning with new projects always in the works in construction as well as sharing time with other farmers in the area. Excellent library and community resources. Apprentice would live in trailer camp set-up or could tent and share occasional meals. Preferably looking for someone with some experience who is willing to commit for all or most of the season.
Farm #9 (Full for 2008. You may apply for 2009)
This farm is located adjacent to the Northeast end of Prospect Lake at the base of the Saanich Peninsula. It is a four acre farm nestled in the woods with an abundant wildlife habit. There is a 1 acre market garden with numerous varieties of berries, perennial herbs and flowers, mushrooms and a large variety of annual vegetable crops grown for seed and food. A small greenhouse is used for vegetable starts in spring and heat loving crops in summer. Jobs are varied, numerous and always open to creativity. Learn from an active and experienced farmer growing vegetables, berries and seeds for the farmers market, also producing value-added products for sale. There is a focus on seed preservation and growing for and supporting seed groups in the area. An apprentice would be needed one or two days per week in exchange for learning and a bountiful lunch but would need to find accommodation elsewhere.
Farm #10
This 2-acre farm outside of Victoria in Metchosin grows over 25 varieties of vegetables and has greenhouses, chickens, and a root cellar for farmers markets, restaurants, and direct delivery. Learn as much as you can from this experienced farmer and carpenter but cook your own meals if you eat vegetarian. Live in an extra room in the house preferably for a whole season.
Farm #11
This 12 acre honey farm is home to 100 beehives, angora goats, and chickens and has 3 1/2 acres of cultivation in vegetables and berries. Located 10 km from the village of Sooke (30 minute bike ride) on the West Coast of Vancouver Island it is across the street from the beach and has a beautiful view. Work with 30 year veteran beekeeper and learn the intricacies of feeding bees, manipulating and combining hives, breeding queens, moving hives to local outyards, spinning honey, and other farm practices. Other farm activities would include building fences, planting new harvest gardens, shearing goats, harvesting for supper, building new bee equipment, bottling and packaging mead and honey. Living arrangements include a private cabin and with bathroom and cooking facilities located separate from the family's home. This family is working towards self sufficiency and welcomes apprentices with a keen interest in beekeeping and small agriculture.
Farm #12
Jump into the active farming lifestyle of the Saanich peninsula community on this 5.75 acre farm close to Victoria and Sidney. Learn all aspects of market gardening; seeding, composting, growing, harvesting, selling, preserving from a farmer of 10 years. Farmer is experienced in annual and perennial field crops as well as greenhouse growing, and she sells produce at a vibrant weekly farmer's market.Ý She works closely with two other farmers in the area and they run a marketing business together. Her young child accompanies her in the fields, so an affinity with children is important! There will be opportunities to meet the larger community and other farm apprentices. Live in your own accommodations separate from the house but use the kitchen and bathroom in the main house. You may also come on a daily or part time basis if you have your own housing. If you are creative, self-motivated, respectful of others, a non-smoker, and are irresistibly drawn to organic agriculture, this may be the place for you!
Farm #13
Located in the beautiful Comox valley, there is wildlife in abundance, and a salmon-spawning creek near this large diverse farm. Learn about self-sufficient and commercial market gardening, greenhouse, poultry, sheep, CSA, and value added food preparation. Specialties include Asian vegetables, wasabi, dong-quai, and soybeans. Live separately and eat farm meat and veggies with the family.
Farm #14
Sustainability ethics are key on this 160 acre farm property on Pender Island. Learn fruit orchard management, forestry management, haying, care of livestock and household gardening with the farm couple. Work 20 hrs/week spring to fall with light work during the winter. Live apart in very nice small home suitable for 2 people (couple would be ideal). Plans for developing a large non-commercial orchard with several hundred heritage varieties: living gene bank model.
Farm #15
Learn how to run a profitable farm on a shoestring budget on this 3/4 acre farm in a friendly little community just outside of Victoria. The apprentice would also learn about running an effective co-op, care of poultry and knowledge of field and greenhouse crops. Join in monthly resource meetings and learn from other co-op members. Flexible schedule for an apprentice living elsewhere, meals and produce are provided in exchange.
Farm #16
This is a beautiful family farm on lower Vancouver Island with a mixture of forest, fields, marsh with millions of frogs and other wildlife. A team player is welcome to dive in to the daily tasks at hand learning greenhouse operations as well as animal care, seasonal field crops, and some construction. Stipends would depend on monthly profits made. The apprentice would live in the yurt and eat with the family of four. Semi vegetarian meals and no smoking please.
Farm #17
This is a certified organic farm growing mixed vegetables, blueberries, and laying hens on 7 acres of a beautiful 20 acre property in Central Saanich. The farmer is looking for apprentice(s) considering organic farming as a potential career. Ideally, an apprentice would stay for the entire season, from spring planting to weeding our winter crops in the fall. If you're interested in learning all aspects of organic farming -- growing, harvesting, marketing, and even preserving crops for the winter, this might be the place for you. The farmer is flexible, and will work out details like meals and work schedule with the apprentice(s). For the right person or people, a private cabin is available. The farm is close to Victoria and Sidney, near bus routes, and we have a bike to lend.
Farm #18
Looking for a motivated and responsible couple who can after some instruction from an experienced farmer, take over the management of this farm. About 15 to 20 hours per week in the growing season. Live on 11 south facing secluded acres on Denman island in a self contained 2 bedroom house. Farming experience would be helpful but not necessary. There is a lot of potential for increased income by producing value added products as well as greenhouse and market garden.
Farm #19
This 7 acre farm 10 km north of Victoria is close to the main bus route and biking trails. It is a mix of growing areas, orchard, woods, wetlands and an education centre. It is operated by a registered non-profit organization which is dedicated to growing and marketing certified organic food, demonstrating organic agriculture practices and providing education and research opportunities to farmers. You will be trained by an experience farmer.
Farm #20
Join a Biodynamic mixed farm (Demeter certified)serving 70 families in a CSA. Vegetable production is the primary focus, and cows sheep and poultry provide sustenance. There are several households on the farm which is bountiful with pasture forest and fields. We are a few kilometres from town with a beautiful river nearby to cool off in. Apprentices will learn a wide range of vegetable growing techniques from a well-trained grower. Mostly vegetable production, some animal care, some milking, food preservation, CSA development and management. Biodynamics. Stay in a room in house, cabin, or yurt. This family is diverse, Katy is a waldorf kinderg teacher, and helps in the summer. John, the farmer, wants to grow the highest quality food possible using biodynamic methods. He describes himself as, "not a serious person, and am open minded and flexible. I apprenticed for five years on many farms many years ago. My goals are to teach others biodynamic methods. "
Farm #21
Farm #22
Live on a 11 ½ acre farm near Courtenay with the Beaufort mountain range behind you and the ocean is across the street. This is a certified organic mixed produce farm which has been in operation since 1997. Learn all aspects of growing a farm business, working alongside with experienced farmers who will give you a very hands on approach. Here you can learn to grow about 40 to 50 varieties of vegetables with the season going from mid April through until Christmas. There are apple and plum and cherry trees, flowers for cut flower bouquets, an ever expanding nursery business as well, especially for vegetable transplants, perennial and annual medicinal plants and edible flowers. These farmers love what they do and are passionate about it. You will live in a separate home on the farm and a modest stipend is offered.
Farm #23 (Full for 2008. You may apply for 2009)
This 11 acre organic farm is located in a long valley on the Saanich Peninsula between Victoria and Sidney with a 2 acre market garden and a number of fruit trees. A creek runs through the valley with trees and scrubs in abundance and the farm has an open view of the valley and forested hillsides. There are woods, lakes and hiking trails in close proximity to the farm. There is a farm market building for selling produce and value added products. An apprentice would have the opportunity to learn from an experienced farmer a number of skills and participate in the growing, harvesting and preserving of crops and seeds. An apprentice is needed one or two days per week in exchange for learning, a bountiful lunch and produce but would need to find accommodation elsewhere
Farm #24
Be part of a developping 7 acres CSA and Horticulture Therapy garden, 5 kilometres south of Courtenay, growing medicinal plants, vegetables, and flowers, on over 10,000 sq ft of raised beds, fruit and nut trees, a Bach Flower Remedies garden, an extensive herbal teaching garden, a labyrinth, a pond and a nature trail in the woods. Live close to Royston beach and on the edge of a large wilderness wooded area with beautiful trails, on the route to Courtenay, only minutes by bus or biking. You will work and learn with other volunteers from the Horticulture Therapy program, medical herbalism workshops and our neighborhood CSA .