Edible Stories Market Garden- Full for 2026

Edible Stories Market Garden-Full for 2026

• 1 APPRENTICESHIP

• PART TIME  average of 20 hours (hours can fluctuate between 15-25 hours per week over the course of the season)

• APPROX START/END DATES: March - November

• $17/HR

• LOCATION: Hillsboro (Portland Chapter)

• YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 13

• PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING:  New Host Farm

• PRACTICES: Organic Practices (not certified), Low-till

• ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 1/3

• Vegetables, Fruit, Culinary herbs, Medicinal herbs, Nursery stock, Crops with Cultural Significance to Asian Cuisine

• ON-FARM HOUSING? No 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, Hindi, Tamil, Marathi

• BIPOC-Owned/Operated, Women-Owned/Operated

Edible Stories Market Garden is a ⅓ acre hand-tended Market Garden devoted to nurturing land and community.  We use organic, no-till growing methods to produce specialty crops used in Asian cuisines.  For us, food is more than nourishment—it carries memories, emotions, and a deep sense of belonging. Every crop we grow tells a story, connecting us to the South Asian immigrant community (to which we belong) and its cultural traditions that continue to shape our lives. These stories live in the sights and smells of our market garden and in the flavors of its harvests, reminding us of home, heritage, and the shared joy of growing and eating food.

https://www.helvetia.us/FARMPAGE-Edible-Stories

https://www.instagram.com/ediblestoriesmarketgarden/

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/family-farm-in-oregon-grows-crops-to-share-south-asian-cuisine-with-its-community

FARM OVERVIEW

Edible Stories Market Garden nestled in the scenic Helvetia area of Hillsboro, Oregon, is just five miles from Highway 26. Our growing space spans approximately one-third of an acre, with all cultivation taking place inside six high tunnels. We also have a greenhouse dedicated to seed starting and transplant production. The terraced garden sits on a gentle slope—hence the name ‘Edible Stories’ - a reflection of both the land’s contour and the many stories created and evoked by each crop we grow, harvest, and share. The garden is part of a five-acre property bordered by an undisturbed expanse of Douglas fir, maple, western cedar, and ferns, which enrich the garden landscape both visually and biologically.

At Edible Stories Market Garden, we employ organic growing practices—using no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and relying on compost and natural soil amendments. We also minimize tillage to nurture  soil health and biodiversity, rely on drip irrigation to conserve water, and maintain pollinator habitats to support a thriving community of beneficial insects.  Our work is primarily done by hand—using hand tools for seeding, transplanting, weeding, bed preparation, and harvesting—to ensure care and attention in every step.

We cultivate a diverse range of vegetables, with a special emphasis on crops that hold cultural significance to the Asian community. Using high tunnels allows us to extend our growing season and create ideal microclimates for these specialty crops. Growing them year after year is our way of celebrating our Asian heritage while contributing to the cultural diversity of locally grown produce in the Portland metro area.

Our growing season extends from March through November. We sell directly to our customers using a pay-as-you-go CSA model. We also sell our produce at local Indian grocery stores and to select Portland restaurants.

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

The apprentice will participate in all stages of vegetable production, from seed starting to harvest and post-harvest handling. Responsibilities will include starting seeds in the greenhouse or directly in the ground, preparing and amending garden beds, applying compost, managing weeds in beds and pathways, operating  the drip irrigation system, transplanting seedlings, harvesting, and packing produce for sale. All tasks will be demonstrated, and the apprentice will receive ongoing mentorship and guidance to develop practical skills and a deeper understanding of small-scale vegetable production

Our growing season begins in early March 2026, and we are seeking an apprentice to work an average of 20 hours (hours can fluctuate between 15-25 hours per week over the course of the season)  extending  through mid-November 2026. The apprentice will receive a 10-minute paid break every 1 hour and a one-hour unpaid lunch break each day. The work is physically demanding, and applicants should be prepared for tasks such as moving and spreading compost, as well as standing, bending, and squatting for extended periods.

The apprentice will begin by working alongside us as we demonstrate each task. They are welcome to ask questions during the work or afterward. We will check in and meet as often as needed to provide the apprentice with the required guidance and support.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are seeking an apprentice who is reliable, eager to learn about growing food and small-scale farming, with an interest in various plants and a keen attention to detail. The work is physically demanding, requiring the ability to stand, kneel, squat, and bend for extended periods. All tasks take place in high tunnels, which can become very hot during the summer, so the apprentice should be able to work safely in warmer conditions while taking reasonable breaks.

Safety and appropriate attire are essential: close-toed shoes must be worn at all times, and the apprentice should dress suitably for farm work. We encourage apprentices to adjust their work hours based on the season and weather, such as starting earlier on hot days. We value a respectful and professional work environment.

Employees are expected to treat team members courteously, remain sober while on the farm, and refrain from smoking or using drugs during work hours. Apprentices are also responsible for taking care of tools and returning them to their proper places. While much of the work may be independent, employees are welcome to bring a radio or music to listen to while working. Previous gardening or horticulture experience is a plus, but a willingness to learn and a strong work ethic are most important.

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS 

We offer $17/hour as compensation.  Additionally the apprentice can take home a reasonable amount of produce for personal consumption.

We do not offer on-farm housing, but there are many rental options in Hillsboro and nearby towns such as Forest Grove, Cornelious, and Beaverton.

Apprentice needs to have their own transportation to get to and from the farm, as our farm is not accessible by public transportation system.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Edible Stories Market Garden welcomes and respects individuals of all genders, gender identities, sexualities, ethnicities, and ages, and strives to foster open and respectful communication.

Farmers Lakshmi and Ganesh 

Wild Geese Farm-Full for 2026

WILD GEESE FARM-Full for 2026

• 1 APPRENTICESHIP

• PART TIME/FULL TIME (30-40 hours/week)

• APPROX START/END DATES: Mid March - Mid December

• $16.50/HR

• LOCATION: West Linn(Portland Chapter)

• YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 1

• PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING:  New Host Farm

• PRACTICES: Mechanized/Tractor Farming

• ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 10

• Vegetable Production, Cut Flowers

• ON-FARM HOUSING? No 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes/No

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English

Wild Geese Farm was started at the historic Luscher Farm in Lake Oswego by Braedon Kwiecien and Sidney Katz. Our mission is to care for the environment while we feed our community nutrient-rich food. We value delicious food, great friends, and a healthy planet. We’ve always felt a deep purpose to care for the planet. For us, farming is a way to contribute to our community while caring for the Earth. Over the years, we’ve grown  a lot of vegetables, raised many kinds of animals, and cooked so much delicious food. We learned some of the best techniques to improve the soil and care for animals as we grow food for our community.

https://www.wildgeesefarm.com/about

https://www.instagram.com/wildgeesefarm/?hl=en

FARM OVERVIEW

Wild Geese Farm is a 12-acre diversified vegetable farm on Lake Oswego city land that is surrounded by a park and community garden plots. From the fields, you can see children playing soccer, families walking together and 100s of locals tending their own gardens. It is a working farm that inspires people in the area, educates people on local food production, and encourages cooperation through volunteering. An urban farm comes with inherent challenges, but the opportunities to demystify food production for the public, collaborate with people, and grow hyper-local food make this location a unique business setting.

We grow vegetables on 12-acres of land without using conventional fertilizers or sprays. We cover crop to improve soil quality, reduce erosion and sequester carbon as much as we can throughout the year. We use tractors on the farm judiciously to be efficient, productive, and ease the strain on our bodies, while we try to reduce negative impacts like compaction, erosion, and consumption of fossil fuels. We use electric, light-weight machines as much as we can and continue to be mindful of our systems. Our vegetables are sold through a market-style CSA that is distributed at the farm so that no transportation is needed. And we will sell at the Lake Oswego farmer’s market this year. Our crew is a very small team consisting of 2-4 individuals throughout the year, which means we all do everything, work together and learn a lot over the season. 

Braedon Kwiecien is the owner of Wild Geese Farm and has worked on nearly a dozen different farms before, learning best practices, new farming techniques and gaining a broad range of experiences over the years. He has worked on organic vegetable farms, in orchards, vineyards and has raised pigs, sheep and chicken. His philosophy and vision are inspired by closed-loop, integrated farming systems that mimic nature. He is interested in management-intensive grazing, silvopasture, no-till organic vegetable production, and community farming.

Wild Geese Farm is going into its second year of production and is focused on improving the following systems: stale seed bedding for effective weed management with less soil disturbance, irrigation monitoring to reduce water usage, improved soil health using bacteria and fungus, and diverse cover crop rotations. We’re excited to have a new electric cultivation tractor for the upcoming season to reduce time spent weeding and fossil fuel use. Hopefully we can spend more of our time planting, harvesting and taking excellent care of the land.

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

Apprentices can expect to do almost every task on the farm: seeding, transplanting, amending, weeding, harvesting, washing, and distributing. With a small crew there will be plenty of opportunity to develop specific skills such as seeding in the propagation house, tractor driving, flame weeding and learning to use specialized tools.

At the beginning of the season, it will be understood that apprentices need time to learn about the space, the farm’s systems and to feel welcome and acclimated to the new job. Time will be dedicated to education and learning new skills. It’s our belief that taking time to teach more people skills is good for everyone and pays off in the long term. As the season progresses, focus will shift to honing skills, improving efficiency and exploring more facets of farming. 

There is an expectation that apprentices will be fully integrated into the team, have a sense of responsibility, agency and are capable of carrying out their share of the operation with an adequate level of quality in their work. A lot of our work in this small crew is done together, and I will likely always be able to chat, offer feedback and facilitate education.

Farming is a physically demanding job and is exhausting. Apprentices are expected to work hard alongside everyone else. We also expect everyone to be safe and feel cared for. Particularly in the summer, we will take plenty of breaks, hang out in the cooler and reduce our time spent in the heat. In the winter, I will regularly check in to see if people are warm, dry, and if they are equipped with the right gear to feel comfortable in the elements.

We can offer apprentices time off as needed throughout the season for sick days, vacation, or emergencies. We have the capacity to be lenient and flexible when it comes to days off.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for an apprentice who is passionate about farming, holds a sense of responsibility for their commitments, and has a deep desire to learn and improve their skills as a farmer. Previous farming experience is a bonus but not necessary.

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS 

We can offer $16.50 per hour at a minimum, or more with prior experience. We will also offer $100 gear stipend, flexibility for time off (24 hours of PTO/year) and a weekly CSA plus extra vegetables when available.

We do not provide on farm housing. However, the farm is located in an urban setting with a lot of housing opportunities within a very reasonable distance. 

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

We welcome people of all ages, gender identities and races. And we are committed to teaching everybody the same skills. We recognize that historically non- cis-, white men have been overlooked to use heavy equipment, to be managers and to specialize. That’s one reason why we are committed to rectifying that pattern and encouraging opportunity and growth for everybody on the farm. 

We are also committed to accommodate to abilities and adjust to conditions. We will regularly check in about how a tool fits someone’s body and how tasks are suiting them. We will always take feedback about what tasks are challenging and why, and how we can accommodate them. We will provide many options for adjusting the height and weight in many tasks and even change jobs that someone is uncomfortable in if it is reasonable.

Farm Owner, Braedon

Runnymede Farm

Runnymede Farm

• 1 APPRENTICESHIP

• PART TIME/FULL TIME (24-40 hours/week)

• APPROX START/END DATES: March/April - November

• $15.50/HR

• LOCATION: Rogue River (Rogue Valley Chapter)

• YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 26

• PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING: 6

• PRACTICES: Organic Practices (Not Certified), Mechanized/Tractor Farming, Winter Farming

• ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 9

• Diversified Vegetable, Fruit, Dairy, Poultry (Eggs), Cut Flowers, Nursery Stock, Value-Added / Processing

• ON-FARM HOUSING? No

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English

• Women-Owned/Operated, Veteran-Owned/Operated

Runnymede Farm is well known for our fresh produce and nursery business in the local Rogue River community.  We strive to provide the Rogue Valley with high quality, local food while being good stewards to our land.  The farm uses intuition and intensive, chemical-free, non-certified organic practices to produce a wide variety of crops on their 10 acres, including vegetables, fruit, cut flowers, nursery plants, eggs, and dairy.

@runnymede.farm

FARM OVERVIEW

Runnymede farm is located in the beautiful Evans Valley of Southern Oregon, just 2 miles outside the town of Rogue River, a 10 minute drive to Grants Pass and a 20 minute drive to Medford. The 10 acres comprises 5 acres of pasture, 1 acre of wooded forest, 3 acres of hoop houses, nursery space, and growing fields, and 1 acre of living quarters. Teri and Arthur White, the farm’s owners, live on the farm with their dog Leche and the other farm animals. The Rogue Valley is a beautiful place at all times of the year, with plenty of hiking, river floats, and nature to explore.

Runnymede grows row crops and flowers in our fields and hoop houses.  We also have a small orchard of pear trees and blackberries, as well as a nursery with annual and perennial flowers, vegetable starts, fruit trees, bushes, and ornamental bushes and trees. 

Each year, Runnymede raises a new round of chicks for egg production.  There are about 15 goats bred for raw goat milk. 

Produce, eggs, nursery starts, and plants sell at 3 local farmer’s markets (Ashland, Medford and Grants Pass), as well as selling produce for a few other local farms. We do a 5 week CSA in the winter months. We also do on farm sales of our raw milk, eggs, and nursery stock.  

Due to the scale and intensity of the plantings, field prep is done with a tractor, while all other tasks are performed by hand with basic tools.  The farm employs 2 full-time employees, 1 part-time employee, and hires additional seasonal help as it’s needed.

The farm is owner by husband and wife team, Arthur and Teri. Together, they have over 25 years of farming and marketing experience. They have been on the farm since 1999. 

Nora Kendall is the primary mentor for the Apprentice and was once herself a OFC Apprentice! Nora started working at Runnymede in 2021. She is now the field manager, organizes the daily on-farm operations, as well as works 2 of the 3 markets. Nora enjoys the diversity farming brings to each day, and appreciates being able to spend the days on her feet being active.  She is in the beginning years of starting her own farm, and loves educating others about farming and the importance of local food.  Nora also lives in Rogue River with her husband and looks forward to growing her own farm business in the years to come.

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

Apprentices joining the crew at Runnymede can expect to be exposed to all tasks involved in operating a small-scale, diverse, mixed production farm. Those tasks will include animal husbandry (including milking and milk handling) and planting, cultivation, harvesting, packing, and farmers market sales of produce, fruit, and nursery products. On-farm training time consists of between 24-40 hours/week for an Apprenticeship position, depending on the applicant, and will include some weekends and holidays. Apprentice will work alongside the host farmers and employees, with some independent work as well, especially as the season progresses. The farm has many facets, and Apprentices are welcome to gravitate toward the areas that interest them.

The Apprentice will have tasks demonstrated to them clearly and thoroughly.  We require applicants come with no prior bias, and we may explain tasks that they have previous experience with to ensure it is done the way we like it. We are not providing instruction in biology, botany, or zoology. We are providing on the job experience from which apprentices will have to use their own initiative to further or codify their education.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants seeking employment at Runnymede Farm must be mature, serious in their pursuit of farming, and physically capable of lifting heavy objects and being active and on their feet for long days. They must be capable of working independently without constant supervision. A positive attitude that brings a calm presence amongst the employees and animals is a must.

We encourage Apprentices to explore and enjoy Southern Oregon’s beauty, its proximity to the coast, the redwoods, the cascades, and the desert. We encourage Apprentices to make friends in the wider Rogue Farm Corps community and share experiences to fully understand that farming, like life, has many paths.

We prefer an applicant who can stay from March - November but can be flexible on start and end dates as needed. We prefer an applicant to visit in person before a placement decision is made. If you will hire on without an on farm visit, we will have an interview,  perhaps multiple interviews. 

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

Apprentices will start at $15.50/hr.

We do not provide On-Farm Housing.  Housing can be tight, but rentals are available in the area. Non-local applicants are encouraged to come early to get settled. We can provide a reference for employment and character for housing applications. 

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Our farm encourages and supports applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to creating a safe and supportive work environment. Runnymede is happy to share our knowledge of farming with anyone with an open mind towards learning and the world around them.  

One of the foundations of nature is variety, and as such, Runnymede Farm also welcomes all souls committed to tolerance, non-violence, and ethical and moral human values.

PAST APPRENTICE TESTIMONIALS

“[Arthur and Teri provided] a clear schedule and list of tasks. [They hosted] a welcoming environment and awesome coworkers… open to ideas and feedback from employees.” - 2021

Teri and Art White (Photo: David Hampton Photography)

Farm Mentor Nora Dennehy with one of the Goats at Runnymede

Quackenbush Farm

QUACKENBUSH FARM

• 2 APPRENTICESHIPS

• FULL TIME (40 hours/week)

• APPROX START/END DATES: April - October

• $16.50/HR

• LOCATION: Eagle Creek (Portland Chapter)

• YEARS IN PRODUCTION:13

• PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING:  7

• PRACTICES: Certified Organic, Low-Till, Hand and Tractor Farming

• ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 4

• Diversified Vegetables

• ON-FARM HOUSING? No 

• VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

• LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, Basic Spanish

• Woman Owned/Operated

Our production methods revolve around intensive, sustainable annual crop production.  We are certified organic and utilize a variety of conservation practices to minimize our impact on the land and soil, including cover cropping, crop rotations, reduced tillage, pollinator plantings and hedgerows, and more. 

Our focus is on producing high quality produce for small and mid-scale markets, with an emphasis on heirloom and old-world varieties where flavor is more important than shelf-life.

https://www.quackenbushfarm.com/

@quackenbushfarm

FARM OVERVIEW

Quackenbush Farm is located in the beautiful Clackamas River Valley, about 30 minutes southeast of Portland.  Our focus has primarily been diversified, organic, fresh market veggies. The farm is a thriving business with our main markets being our weekend farmer’s markets, wholesale (school districts), restaurants, and a small on-site farm stand.

The farm family and crew this year will include owners Jennifer and Matt, an assistant farm manager, crew lead, two Apprentices, several market crew, and our team of weekly harvest volunteers and workshares.

Quackenbush Farm started in 2013 in Washington State as a partnership between 4 friends. We were young, motivated, and wanted to grow a business based around community health and vitality. Each of us contributed a thousand dollars as startup, or seed money, and kept our day jobs. We found a rental with property with a brave landlord and within a month of signing the lease, we plowed the field. 

Over the years the farm has evolved, growing and reaching new markets and customers. In 2017, the farm business found a permanent home in Oregon, on 18 flat, beautiful acres of pasture and oak savanna. Through all the changes over the years we have stayed committed to our ideals, and remain idealistic in our hearts and actions.

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

We are looking for two full time Apprentices to commit to the full season from early April to the end of October or optionally through November. The flow of a typical farm year for our staff follows the 3 seasons of spring, summer, and fall:

Spring (April, May, early June) – The focus of this season is greenhouse work, field preparation, building/refurbishing farm infrastructure, and planting.

Summer (Late June, July, August) – This is the time for our biggest markets, big harvests, weeding, pruning and trellising, and more planting.

Fall (September, October, November) – The pace starts to slow a little here, with planting mostly over, our focus now is harvesting, weeding, marketing, farm projects, and eventually turning the fields over and planting cover crop.

By the end of the year, we will provide exposure to virtually all aspects of farm operations, including all steps between the seed and the plate.

These are full-time positions, typically 40 hours per week with some flexibility for longer days in the peak season (July/August) and shorter days in the shoulder seasons (April/October), 5 days per week with two days off. Work days typically start at 8am and go to 4:30pm, with a lunch break mid-day. Farming is physically demanding work, so we expect our staff to manage the demands of frequent lifting, stooping, repetitive motions, and to be able to work in all weather conditions.

Working directly with the farm owners, manager, and crew lead in all aspects of day to day operations, you will gain an in-depth understanding of growing for farmer's markets, local restaurants, and our surrounding community. With 4 acres in production of annual vegetables and the remaining 14 acres managed for wildlife habitat and other projects, our Apprentices will have the opportunity to gain a well-rounded sustainable agriculture work experience.  Overall duties include field work, irrigation, small equipment work, farmers market sales, seeding/propagation, planting, volunteer coordination, and record keeping (to name a few).

QUALIFICATIONS

An ideal candidate would be one who is seriously considering a career in agriculture, either working for another farm or starting their own, and is actively pursuing these opportunities.

Farm work experience is preferred, but NOT required.  However we do expect a willingness to learn. We value clear and open communication and expect that our staff are actively engaged with questions, comments, and input on the farm operation.

Demonstrated experience doing repetitive manual labor and a strong physical and mental work ethic IS required.

While we do not require an in-person visit prior to making a placement offer, it is highly recommended.

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS 

Compensation for our apprenticeship starts at $16.50/hr and includes a weekly share of veggies for the season.

We do not offer housing. The Estacada area typically has affordable housing available, or we are a 30 minute drive from Portland.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

We believe healthy, organic food should be accessible to anyone, regardless of their economic status. We are very conscious of fair pricing, both to ourselves and to our customers, and provide other opportunities to make our produce affordable, including SNAP discounts and benefits, Pay What You Can pricing, and donations to several local food banks. 

We recognize the long and troubled history of exclusion in the world of agriculture and land ownership. Equity and inclusion on Quackenbush Farm means that your value as a farmer and co-worker are irrespective of your race, color, gender, sexual orientation, bank account balance, or accent. We welcome all hard-working bipeds to apply.

PAST APPRENTICE TESTIMONIALS

“Matt and Jennifer provide a really well rounded opportunity to gain actual on farm experience in a positive working environment.” - 2023

“So much is done on the farm in production. I think it was very valuable to get an idea and real feeling of how much I can do and having examples of how much I could improve by seeing how much faster things can be done.” - 2024

“My crew lead, a former RFC Apprentice with multiple years of farming experience across the state, gave great guidance throughout the season. His familiarity with RFC program topics was well integrated into on-farm duties.” - 2024

Matt & Jennifer (& Edwin)