Looking for farms to volunteer or work at in Canada (or Europe)
Hi everyone! I’m looking for recommendations for farms where I could volunteer or work and, most importantly, really learn.
My long-term goal is to eventually start a farm of my own, so I’m looking for more than somewhere that simply needs an extra pair of hands. I would really love to find a farmer who enjoys teaching and sharing their knowledge. Ideally something that could develop into a mentor/apprentice type of relationship, where I can work hard alongside them while learning as much as possible about how and why they run their farm the way they do.
I’m particularly interested in regenerative agriculture, permaculture, soil health and creating resilient farm ecosystems. I’d love exposure to as many sides of farming as possible, including growing food, soil building and composting, water management, season extension and year-round growing, livestock if applicable, machinery and infrastructure, pest and disease management, harvesting and preserving, and also the planning, business and financial realities of actually making a farm work.
I’m absolutely happy to get dirty and do the repetitive or boring jobs too! I’m not expecting someone to stand beside me teaching all day. I’m just hoping to find the kind of farmer who is passionate about what they do, likes explaining the reasoning behind their decisions and genuinely enjoys passing their knowledge on to someone who wants to learn.
I’m considering applying for the Young Agrarians Farm Apprenticeship Program for 2027, but ultimately what I’m looking for is the right farm and the right mentor. If I find a great fit before then and I’m able to keep learning and growing there, I’d be very open to staying longer rather than moving on just for the sake of doing another program.
I’d particularly love recommendations for women-owned, women-led or women-centred farms. A mixed environment is absolutely fine too. I’d just prefer somewhere where there are other women around rather than an all-male farm or living/working environment.
Because I’m willing to relocate for the right opportunity, on-farm or nearby housing would need to be available, whether that is included as part of a work exchange or available at a reasonable cost.
I’m open to volunteering, work exchanges, apprenticeships or paid farm work. I’m currently in BC, Canada, but I’m open to opportunities elsewhere in Canada and potentially abroad as well.
I’d especially love personal recommendations from people who have actually worked or volunteered somewhere and came away feeling that the farmer genuinely took an interest in teaching them, rather than simply having them perform farm labour.
And if you’re a farmer yourself and this sounds like someone you might like to have around, please feel free to reach out!