Highgate Farm

Last Updated On: May 7th, 2026 at 07:36PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
1 Rigsby Rd
Marshall, North Carolina, 28753

Primary Contact: Melissa Harwin
Secondary Contact: John Kunkle

Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 828-450-0709
    Email: highgatefarm@earthlink.net

Secondary Phone
    Type: Cell
    Number: 828-450-0708
    Email:

Website: https://www.facebook.com/highgatefarmwnc/

Internship information

General Farm Description: Highgate Farm, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a Certified Naturally Grown market garden. Established in 2006 Highgate Farm is inspired by the traditional Market Gardens of southern France. With great attention to detail, we produce high quality mixed produce for sale at area tailgate markets and through our CSA. Each season we enjoy building community and inspiring young growers by sharing our combined 35+ years of knowledge, experience and skills, as well as the beauty of the land and rhythms of the season with Apprentices, Summer Interns, and our experienced, friendly crew members.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: Immediately
Internship Ends: Nov-21
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: 7/1/2022
Minimum Length of Stay: 10 weeks

Internship Details:

Market Garden Apprenticeship, full season
April 1- October 31
Market Garden Internships
10 to 12 weeks
We provide one-on-one and group training and experience in small scale produce operations following organic methods. Apprentices begin by working closely with John and Melissa, the owner/operators of Highgate Farm, and other experienced workers. As skills are mastered, Apprentices will be expected to work more autonimously and lead a small work crew on selected tasks. Activities will include greenhouse propagation, all aspects of field work from seeding/transplanting through cultivation, harvest and clean-up, processing and packing product and participating in market sales. Regular field rounds, and a weekly planning and debriefing meeting are also part of the schedule. Apprentices can expect to participate in farm and homestead related activities as needed, from 30 to 50 hrs. each week. A minimum of one and one half day off each week will be provided to each individual as well as opportunities to participatate in homesteading activities as time allows. Occasional group outings for swimming, ice cream, beers, music, etc. are also included.

Educational Opportunities: A variety of other learning opportunites are also available and include access to our exensive reference library, access to CRAFT workshops and social events, the plethora of resources and workshops available through our local NC Cooperative Extension Center, Organic Growers School, ASAP, and other area farmers.

Skills Desired: Strong interest in food and food production. Readiness to commit to immersing oneself in learning and work for 10 or more weeks. Maturity, self-awareness, honesty, concienciousness, clear & respectful communication. A minimum of 9 months of employment in any field.

Meals: Kitchen staples, plenty of fresh produce, a monthly grocery stipend, and lunch on workdays is provided.

Stipend: Yes. Full Season Apprentices receive a monthly stipend, plus one week PTO. An end of season bonus is provided for completion of the full season. Summer Interns receive a monthly stipend.

Housing: Lovely off-grid Accomodations include a shared bunkhouse or tent platform, shared kitchen/lodge, composting toilet and hot outdoor shower. Power is available for recharging batteries and electronics.

Preferred method of Contact: email