Want to Farm on the World’s Most Remote Island?

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping modern life and living in a place with zero traffic, no chain stores, and almost no internet, Tristan da Cunha might be your dream — or your nightmare. The world’s most remote inhabited island, with just 265 residents, is now looking for a skilled farmer to help its community grow more of its own food and reduce dependence on imports.

The answer is Tristan da Cunha: a volcanic island in the South Atlantic with no airport, only boat access, and just 265 residents. It’s currently hiring an agricultural expert to teach local farming and animal husbandry — and offering free housing and travel in return.

Where Is Tristan da Cunha?

Tristan da Cunha is a British Overseas Territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean. It’s over 1,200 miles from the nearest inhabited island, Saint Helena, roughly 1,491 miles from South Africa, and about 2,088 miles from South America. The island has no airport; access is only by ship, with just nine sailings per year from Cape Town, South Africa.

Why Does the Island Need a Farmer?

The island has a tiny population of 265 people, all living in the one village called Seven Sea Edinburgh. With steep terrain, no natural harbor, frequent storms, and very limited flat land, permanent settlement only began in 1816. Today, locals mostly grow potatoes and rely heavily on imported fruits, vegetables, and other crops. The government hopes to change that by bringing in an experienced agriculturalist.

What Will the Farmer Actually Do?

The ideal candidate will guide the community in sustainable agriculture and livestock management. Duties include crop rotation, greenhouse vegetable production, orchard maintenance, and care of the island’s cattle and sheep — currently 300 cows and 500 sheep on around 1,000 acres of low-quality grazing land. The farmer will also need to handle basic veterinary care using modern methods.

What’s Life Like There?

Despite its isolation, Tristan da Cunha has surprisingly complete facilities including a church, supermarket, cafe, pub, hospital, museum, golf course (which doubles as pasture), and a tourist center. The tight-knit community of about nine extended families still practices barter and sharing. The island became a formal British territory in 1816 after fears it could be used to rescue Napoleon from nearby Saint Helena. Only three settlers remained to form the permanent population.

Who Can Apply — And What’s the Pay?

The job is a two-year contract, open only to UK citizens. The position offers free accommodation, travel opportunities, and a salary based on experience. While the role may appeal to those seeking solitude and purpose, the British NFU Online Recruitment website — which posted the listing — notes that it’s one of the most unusual jobs they’ve seen in 30 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Tristan da Cunha?

Tristan da Cunha is a volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean, a British Overseas Territory. It lies over 1,200 miles from Saint Helena, its nearest neighbor, roughly 1,491 miles from South Africa, and about 2,088 miles from South America.

How many people live on Tristan da Cunha?

The island has a permanent population of 265 residents, all living in the village of Seven Sea Edinburgh. It is the most remote inhabited island in the world.

Why is Tristan da Cunha so isolated?

The island has no airport and is accessible only by boat, with just nine ships per year arriving from Cape Town, South Africa. It's also geographically remote, over 1,200 miles from the nearest inhabited island.

What does the farmer job involve?

The hired farmer will teach sustainable agriculture, including crop rotation, greenhouse growing, orchard care, and livestock management for 300 cattle and 500 sheep on approximately 1,000 acres of pastureland.

What benefits does the job offer?

The role comes with free accommodation, travel opportunities, and a competitive salary based on experience. The contract is for two years and is open only to UK citizens.

Are there any shops or services on the island?

Yes, despite its size, the island has a church, supermarket, cafe, pub, hospital, museum, golf course (used also for grazing), and a tourist center.