Northern California American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association

history of conventional farming

principles of organic farming

soil / plant relationship
law of return
diversity
rotation
soil building and preservation
moisture conservation

mulch gardening

double dig gardening-French intensive method

no dig gardening

organic fertilizers

liquid fertilizers
green manures
using legumes
composting
vinegars
bocashi

worm farming

plant associations and rotations

companion plants

pest and disease management

identification
traps and repellents
natural insecticides

Course hours

Monday to Friday, 4.5 days - Wednesday afternoons free for cultural activities.
Weekends are free for spending at the farm or at the beach town of Canoa where you can use the internet, take surf classes, go horse riding on the beach, or just enjoy cocktails from a hammock beneath the coconut palms!

Where is the course held?

The courses are held at Rio Muchacho Organic Farm on the coast of Ecuador near Bahía de Caráquez Ecocity. Lodging is in rustic but comfortable bamboo and thatch cabins, all meals are home-made from local produce and eaten family style with the participants and people who live on the farm. The food is mainly vegetarian and sometimes with white meat. special dietary restrictions can normally be catered to, please consult us!

 

Who is the course for?

The course is designed for people who have no experience or prior training in agriculture. It is an opportunity to learn and practice new skills, experience a new culture and learn some Spanish!

 

Can I get University Credit for the Apprenticeship Program?

The apprenticeship program is accepted in most schools as credit for your studies. We are happy to fill out any evaluation forms etc that you might need.

 

Cost:

US$1200
($1000 if booking and payment is made three months before the starting date)

Discounts for sharing couples or groups of friends.

 

Tutors:

Nicola Mears, New Zealander - Graduated in Horticulture, Non Polluting Agriculture and National Parks and Recreation Management. Fifteen years of experience in Ecuador. Has worked as Inspector of Organic Farms on a National and International Basis.

Miguel Ayala- Expert in sustainable farming, trained in Ecuador, USA & Europe. Teacher of ecological plant protection.

Javier Carreras- Expert in Permaculture and seed saving ( Coordinator of seed savers network )

 

Visits :

Orientation, visit to Ecoprojects in Bahía Ecocity:
Paper recycling project
Organic Farm close to Quito
Rio Muchacho Community Environmental school

Optional visits / activities on the weekends:

*Isla Corazon- mangrove conservation area with native frigate bird colony

* Dry Tropical Forest

* Paragliding

* Horse riding on the beach

* Surf classes

* Biking

Other cultural activities while on the farm:

*Chocolate and coffee making, straight from the bean

*Carving mate ( gourds ) to make cups and spoons

*Making jewelry out of palm seeds and vegetable ivory

*Fishing river shrimp

*Making fresh aloe vera shampoo and local clay face mask etc.

*Trip to Humid Tropical forest, to see the waterfall and howler monkeys

organic standards and certification

medicinal plants

land restoration

conversion to Organic Agriculture from a conventional system

Permaculture

principles
design
ethics
multiple use
integration of resources
alternative energy- solar, biogas, pumps
gray water systems

Biodynamic farming

history
principles
preparations

Other non polluting farming methods

Seed saving

Plant propagation- grafting, seeds

Traditional use of the moon calendar in agriculture.

Irrigation systems

Bee keeping