Organic Seed Alliance

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Metchosin Farm

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Fiona Hamersley Chambers

Email: themetchosinfarm@gmail.com
Website: www.metchosinfarm.ca

Host Farm Info

Host Name:Fiona Hamersley Chambers
Farm description:Metchosin Farm is a seed farm and nursery located in the rural outskirts of Victoria that has been growing locally adapted seeds, soft fruit trees and plant starts since 2003. The farm is owned and operated by University of Victoria Ethnobotanist Fiona Hamersley Chambers.
Metchosin Farm aims to promote and ensure food security by building a “new heritage” in our fields and gardens. The vision is to help reclaim the skill set and genetic diversity of our vegetable crops to make sure each of us can grow and save our own seeds. Climate change requires these new heritage plants in our fields. Metchosin Farm is creating these new heirloom plants. The goal is to help educate gardeners about the new, emerging options and to inspire communities to expand their food literacy.
Internship description:An Intern at Metchosin Farm can expect to:
- Help in the production of seed crops and plant starts
- Receive training from Fiona in growing protocols, seed harvesting and processing, etc.
- Work collaboratively with the rest of the MF team
- Work with our regular community volunteers (COVID protocols in place)
- When necessary, the Intern may also assist with administrative tasks like seed data entry and packaging/restocking/distribution, nursery and farm stand retail, seed order processing/shipping.
- Clear, consistent and proactive communication with farm team
Languages spoken on farm:English, French, some Spanish
As part of a shared effort to provide a safe and inclusive experience for all interns and host farms, including BIPOC AND LGBQTIA+ participants, please describe how you will foster a sense of community, safety, and acceptance on your farm:We take our hosting responsibilities very seriously at Metchosin Farm, and believe that the tone of the working environment is just as important as the learning and working taking place. That said, we have asked people to leave when behaviour has not been respectful or otherwise unacceptable, and check in regularly with those working on the farm to ensure they are feeling positive about their work and the work environment.
Would you be able to provide financial compensation for an intern? If so, what form would this be in?We provide a modest stipend in addition to full room and board, wifi and laundry.
Would you be able to provide housing and amenities for an intern? If so, what form would this be in?Yes. A private renovated camper with shared washroom and laundry facilities.
What are your general expectations for an intern?An Intern at Metchosin Farm can expect to:
- Help in the production of seed crops and plant starts
- Receive training from Fiona in growing protocols, seed harvesting and processing, etc.
- Work collaboratively with the rest of the MF team
- Work with our regular community volunteers (COVID protocols in place)
- When necessary, the Intern may also assist with administrative tasks like seed data entry and packaging/restocking/distribution, nursery and farm stand retail, seed order processing/shipping.
- Clear, consistent and proactive communication with farm team
Are you able to provide educational on-farm training for an intern?Yes.
Preferred start date(s):May 2021
Preferred length of internship:Until November 15th, 2021

Operational Info

Scale of Operations: 2 acres
Climate: Temperate-Mediterranean
Distribution: Local retail (rack sales, farmers market, etc.), Online store front
Certifications: Organic
Crop families experienced with in seed production: Artichoke, Aster, Basil, Beets, Borage, Broad beans, Broccoli, Calendula, Carrot, Celery and celeriac, Chamomile, Chervil, Chicory, Chives, Cilantro, Collards, Corn, Cornflower, Cosmos, Cucumbers, Daisy, Dill, Dry beans, Eggplant, Fava beans, Fennel, Garden beans, Garlic, Hollyhock, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Marigold, Melons, Millet, Nasturtium, Onions, Oregano, Pansy, Parsley, Peas, Peppers, Popcorn, Poppy, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Quinoa, Radishes, Rye, Sage, Snapdragon, Spinach, Statice, Summer squash, Sunflower, Sweet corn, Sweet pea, Swiss chard, Tomatoes, Watermelons, Wheat, Winter squash, Zinnia
Is seed in any quantities available for purchase? Yes
Instructions for purchasing: You can purchase our seeds from our website at www.metchosinfarm.ca for either Local Pickup or Delivery By Mail.
Open to contracting for seed production?: No

Bio

Metchosin Farm is a seed farm and nursery located in the rural outskirts of Victoria that has been growing locally adapted seeds, soft fruit trees and plant starts since 2003. The farm is owned and operated by University of Victoria Ethnobotanist Fiona Hamersley Chambers.
Metchosin Farm aims to promote and ensure food security by building a “new heritage” in our fields and gardens. The vision is to help reclaim the skill set and genetic diversity of our vegetable crops to make sure each of us can grow and save our own seeds. Climate change requires these new heritage plants in our fields. Metchosin Farm is creating these new heirloom plants. The goal is to help educate gardeners about the new, emerging options and to inspire communities to expand their food literacy.