Find your place in the field of good food

Our goal is to connect good people with good food. We advertise sustainable food jobs and training opportunities to help jobseekers and employers find each other.

Roots to Work is a project of Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming.

Job description

Are you an experienced or aspiring market gardener looking for an exciting joint venture opportunity? We’re seeking a passionate and skilled individual to collaborate on a productive and sustainable market gardening enterprise. We are going into this with an open mind as to the shape of the venture but ideally are looking for a multi-year arrangement with the right person to allow the business to reach its potential.

About the Opportunity

We are looking for the right person to help develop a market garden. This is a unique opportunity to work as a partner, sharing both the responsibilities and rewards of a successful venture.

This is not a salaried role as we are investing in the infrastructure to cover the main startup costs of the garden. There is however potential for paid work on the farm or we are open to exploring other support options.

On offer is a newly-fenced plot (just over 1/3 of an acre) with scope to extend. The land is south-facing and benefits from direct access to the farm yard, a covered area for washing/packing/storage, power and mains water. The soil is sandy loam and although not designated organic has not had any chemical inputs in over 13 years (which is how long we have owned the farm).

Composting facilities will be built and there is livestock on site for manure.

There is a small polytunnel on the farm available for propagation and a larger one is planned.

We are situated in a beautiful country setting in an affluent area between Leighton Buzzard and the City of Milton Keynes and is just 35 minutes by train from London.

A site and crop plan will be in place but there is flexibility to adapt this to the grower’s vision.

No permanent accommodation is available on site but we have space and facilities for a live-in van/caravan. Potentially a converted horsebox could be made available.

The farm currently produces hoggett and mutton from a small flock, and free range eggs.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a partner with skills and experience in:

Growing & Production

•     Small-scale vegetable and fruit production in a no-dig system
•     Soil health, composting, and fertility management
•     Crop planning, succession planting, and season extension
•     Pest and disease management using organic or regenerative methods
•     Irrigation setup and water management
•     Seed selection, propagation, and transplanting

Business & Financial Knowledge

•     Understanding of financial planning, budgeting, and cost control
•     Pricing, sales forecasting, and market analysis
•     Business planning and goal setting
•     Awareness of grant funding or investment opportunities in agriculture

Marketing & Sales

•     Selling through farmers' markets, farm gate, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), or wholesale
•     Direct-to-consumer marketing, including social media and online sales
•     Building relationships with local restaurants and independent grocers

Operations & Logistics

•     Efficient harvesting, washing, and packing of produce for sale
•     Record-keeping for planting schedules, harvest yields, and expenses
•     Equipment maintenance and basic repairs
•     Strong time management and ability to handle peak-season demands

Collaboration & Mindset

• Willingness to work in partnership with us, sharing skills and time
• Problem-solving mindset and adaptability in changing conditions
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Passion for sustainability, regenerative agriculture, or organic farming principles
• Openness to welcoming visitors to the site and discussing your work - the farm already hosts events and this year we are preparing for educational and therapeutic visits. The market garden is not the main focus of the visit experience but would be an important part of it

What’s on Offer

• Access to quality land and resources
• A collaborative and supportive working environment
• Potential for a profitable and scalable business
• Access to powered small and large farm machinery
• Flexibility in structuring the partnership - we are open to arrangements based on a profit share, partnership or co-operative
• Local connections for direct or wholesale selling

If you’re excited about the prospect of working together to create a thriving market garden, let’s chat! This is a serious offer but please don’t hesitate to make an informal approach if you’re not yet ready to apply formally.

Application information

Please get in touch via rachel@bragenhamfarm.co.uk

Please mention Roots to Work when applying for these jobs