BIODYNAMIC FARMING AND GARDENING TRAINING IN GREAT BRITAIN

A two-year apprenticeship scheme, co-ordinated by the Biodynamic Agricultural Association to provide PRACTICAL TRAINING in biodynamic farming and gardening has been established at a number of biodynamic farms and gardens across the country. A common training programme has been agreed between the various centres.

Practical Training

Essentially practical in nature, this training programme offers an opportunity for aspiring farmers and gardeners to work and learn alongside highly skilled practitioners.

All aspects of the daily and seasonal work carried out on the chosen farm or garden will be introduced in a direct hands-on-way and the apprentice will be encouraged to keep a work diary.

Background Study

The practical training is supported by study sessions. These are structured according to the needs and possibilities existing in each centre. In some places a morning a week, in others an evening a week is set aside throughout the year, usually with a break for the summer months. Some farms, as in the Severn Valley region offer weekend seminars at longer intervals throughout the year. Some apprentices join in with local day release courses, where these are found to be suitable.

Weekly study sessions are also offered on the holding to work through basic anthroposophical books such as Theosophy, Occult Science and The Philosophy of Freedom as well as the Agriculture Course.

Block Courses

In addition to ongoing theoretical studies in each centre, the BDAA offers four weeklong block courses during the 2-year period. These courses will cover:

SOILS

Soil constituents, texture & structure (silica, clay, limestone)

Soil life and humus formation

Soil development & fertility,

Influence of soil cultivation and cropping sequence

The importance of animals & animal manure

Soil testing / sampling

Field observations

Interpretations of laboratory tests.

PLANTS

Goethean observation techniques: plant morphology, the fourfold plant and plant anatomy

The annual cycle in the plant

Crop rotations and companion planting

Fertility management and garden planning

Seed gathering and processing

Principles of seed breeding

ANIMALS
Understanding and observation of animal nature using Goethean techniques

Animal care: cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, bees

Housing & feeding

Breeding & rearing

Health & illness

ASTRONOMY

The zodiac constellations and the planets

The heavens from the geocentric and heliocentric point of view

Planetary influences on the earth

The sowing calendar - practical applications

World evolution — from the anthroposophical point of view

All the above courses will include artistic activities, discussions, questions, and reviews, field trips, anthroposophical studies and social gatherings.

Certificate

On completion of the training, apprentices will receive a certificate issued by the BDAA.

Costs

Apprentices work on the farms and gardens in return for board and lodgings and their practical tuition. Other costs are also usually carried by the centre, including those of the block courses. Some centres may require a contribution towards these costs. In order to make it possible for everyone who wishes to participate, a training fund exists. Any donations towards this are gratefully received. Please make cheques payable to BDAA and mark "Training Fund".

Application

Please apply directly to the farm or garden of your choice bearing in mind that places on individual farms are limited. It is helpful if in your letter of application to the centre, you include some details of your interests and experience. Further facilitation of placements is possible from the BDAA Office.

Free copies of the new Training Leaflet (cover shown at top) can be obtained from the BDAA Office.