Biodynamic Apprenticeship Learning
There is no better way of learning about biodynamic farming and gardening than out on a farm or in the garden alongside an experienced biodynamic practitioner.
For the last twenty years, the Biodynamic Agricultural Association has offered a practical two year apprentice training in biodynamic agriculture and horticulture. This takes place on well established biodynamic holdings around the country and is open to everyone aged 21 and over. (In exceptional circumstances younger candidates will also be considered) Apprentices usually live and work on the farm in exchange for board, lodging and training. Their practical tuition is supported by weekly tutorials and a programme of seminars and block courses. Apprentices undertake a project on a subject of their choice during their second year.
The objective of the course is to gain basic agricultural / horticultural skills, understand the principles and practice of biodynamic techniques and create a foundation for developing an independent understanding of the earth, life and human beings from a spiritual perspective.
A new milestone has now been reached in that from autumn 2010 students can work towards gaining a level 3 internationally recognised Diploma in Biodynamic Agriculture. The diploma is awarded by the Crossfields Institute and accredited by Edexcel.
The Biodynamc Association is a member of the Crossfields Institute which provides an umbrella structure for learning organisations, educators and researchers working within further and higher education. Its particular focus is with those organisations seeking to develop a transparent, spiritual approach to learning and education.
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Get depth of knowledge and skills to become a biodynamic farmer and grower.
“We need more farmers. The average age of a UK farmer is 58. We need more farmers who want to support communities with agriculture, work locally and create food security and resilience in their local area. We need more farmers who will have families visiting their farms, because children are disconnected from the source of their food, because people are eating stomach fillers and not real vibrant living food.
We need more organic farmers because ladybirds, hover flies, sky larks and hedgehogs need a habitat and an environment to live in and we need living food.
We need more biodynamic farmers because the work that needs to be done in this world requires us to work consciously and with awareness to what intentions lay behind every word we say and every action we do and we need to develop the will to do it.
The Biodynamic Agricultural College ( Rachel Carson Centre) is here to help you answer this need! There is an enormous demand for people with the skills and expertise to grow food in an ecologically and economically sustainable way – and this is where our graduates excel and your journey begins.
The aims and intentions of the Biodynamic Agricultural College are to train future Biodynamic farmers and growers and to explore sustainable and healthy ways of producing food: Healthy for the planet and the soil and healthy for human beings.
The centre is a subsidiary of the Biodynamic Agriculture Association (BDAA). At the centre, full time Biodynamic training courses in agriculture and horticulture take place over the autumn and winter months and a program of short courses and events happen over the spring and summer months.
Founded at Emerson College in 2001 and still situated on the same site the centre carries on the tradition of a unique, transformative learning environment which involves a vibrant international community surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Individuals and groups from all over the world come to study and explore the ways in which they can help their local community in creating more sustainable and better quality food resources. Through the biodynamic training people are engaged in spiritual deeds aimed at transforming the Earth – and themselves in the process...In doing so, one discovers the art of farming and growing with heart and soul.
Find out how you can be part of the solution on our website: The Biodynamic Agricultural College
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