Our Volunteering Opportunities
The UBC Farm program offers two different volunteer programs which have slightly different volunteer requirements and expectations. Both programs welcome a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, skills, and ages. The minimum age requirement for volunteering at the Farm is 14 years.
What you’ll do
Come help us harvest and maintain the over 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables we grow on our 24-hectare certified organic farm! We introduce and educate volunteers about all aspects of sustainable farming, from weeding to planting and harvesting. The UBC Farm volunteer community plays an important role in carrying out the day-to-day activities needed to run the UBC Farm’s field operations. If you want to get your hands in our fields, please read the descriptions below to determine which volunteer program may be the best fit for you!
Humble Harvesters
Come join the Humble Harvesters volunteer community! Volunteer activities in this group include tasks such as harvesting blueberries, beans, and potatoes and processing crops such as garlic and onions. This group is best suited for individuals who are unable to commit to three volunteer shifts per month but still want to get involved at the Farm. These tasks typically require more volunteers per shift so although there may not be shifts available every week there will be more spots available per shift.
If you think this may be the right fit for you all you need to do is:
- 1. Attend an orientation, if you haven’t already done so.
- 2. Sign up for any available shifts through Better Impact.
Busy Bees
Come join the Busy Bees volunteer community! Volunteer tasks in this group include activities such as harvesting and processing varied crops, hand weeding or hoeing beds, market set up and so much more! This group is geared towards individuals who are wanting to work more closely with the field staff and who are able to commit to at least three volunteer shifts per month. Some of these field tasks in this group require a bit more training so there are limited spots available. However, these volunteer activities will be scheduled more frequently throughout the season so there will be lots of opportunities to come and help out.
If you think this may be the right fit for you must:
- Attend an orientation.
- Attend one Humble Harvesters’ shift (if you have not previously volunteered at the Farm).
- Be able to commit to volunteering with us at least three times per month for a minimum of three months.
Program Rewards
Urban Farmers have the opportunity to bring cull vegetables and fruit home after each volunteer shift, access a 20% discount at our markets after 10 hours of volunteering, and access a free UBC Farm t-shirt after 20 hours.
What volunteers are saying
“I had a great time meeting people and socializing while working. Learning about all the different crops was rewarding. And I very much appreciated receiving culled vegetables! I tried cooking a lot of new recipes after I learned about veggies I had never tried before.” – 2016 Urban Farmers Volunteer
Looking for group volunteering?
For group volunteering inquiries, please fill out a Guided Tour request.
Volunteer with community programs on site
There are more opportunities for volunteering, learning and growing with the xʷc̓ic̓əsəm Garden, Maya Garden and Musqueam Garden! Connect with them for details on how to join.