Agroecology & Regenerative Food Systems
Overview
This internship is based on a permaculture farm on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galápagos, where a small team of dedicated farmers is showing what food sovereignty can look like on a remote, ecologically sensitive archipelago. The farm is one of the first in the Galápagos to experiment with regenerative, chemical-free, and resilient food systems—serving both as a community seed bank and a hands-on agroecology school. Interns support efforts to strengthen local food security, restore soils, and protect native biodiversity in a landscape facing rapid change.
This placement is ideal for those curious about sustainable agriculture in one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems. From soil regeneration to seed saving and from composting to permaculture design, you’ll contribute to daily farm operations while learning what it takes to grow food ethically and independently in an isolated region that still depends heavily on imports. Depending on the time of year, interns might also support educational programming, seed germination projects, or community-based ecological initiatives.
Daily Life
You'll live on Santa Cruz Island with a local host family, immersing yourself in both the rhythms of small-scale farming and the everyday culture of the Galápagos. Mornings are typically spent working at the finca—tending to gardens, weeding beds, building compost piles, or reforesting areas with native plants. You might help manage the seed bank, test natural fertilizers, or help design water conservation systems. If you’re inclined toward outreach, you may also get involved in the farm’s storytelling, marketing, or social media.
Interns generally work 4–5 hours a day, Monday through Friday, with plenty of time in the afternoons and weekends to explore the natural wonders of the island. This is a grounded placement offering an experience rich in learning and connection. You’ll gain practical agroecology experience while participating in a movement toward greater food autonomy, biodiversity protection, and ecological regeneration in the Galápagos.