Lost Sierra Food Project runs the only paid ag internship for high school students in Plumas County
Farm Internships
LSFP coordinates a 6-week high school internship and 6-month college internship during the growing season at Rugged Roots Farm. The paid internships are designed for students wanting to gain experience in the following areas:
Ecological farming practices
Agricultural entrepreneurship
Community development and food systems
Food handling and culinary skills
Garden and farm education
“My experience at Rugged Roots farm is a true tale about how life altering college internships on an educational farms can be. Out of the gritty soil of my past, I've flourished, thanks to the farm that planted my rugged roots in the stabilizing soil of opportunity. I am now in Oregon pursuing a master's degree in agricultural education.”
Jamie Johnson, FRC student and Farm Intern 2021-2023
A production farm for local food access
Rugged Roots is a vibrant production farm and one of the few small-scale crop producers in Plumas Co. During the growing season, Rugged Roots supplies local stores like the Feather River Food Co-op, restaurants, and has contracts with Plumas Unified School district and Plumas Charter School for their school lunch programs. Customers can shop direct at the Tuesday Evening Farm Stand and daily honor system fridge.
A hub for learning and community
Rugged Roots is a project of the Lost Sierra Food Project and a demonstration/learning site for the majority of LSFP’s programs. On any given day in the growing season you will find children of all ages exploring and learning through a variety of ag-based programs. LSFP also runs workforce development programs employing young adults each season and training up the next generation of farmers and land stewards. The community is also invited to the farm for food preservation, cooking, and health and wellness workshops.
