PLANET Organic is a programme of the Institute of Earthcare Education Aotearoa - a national non-profit charitable trust committed to the ethics and practices of sustainability. Earthcare works with community development through sustainable land-use design for food security and practical education in organics, permaculture and responsible management of natural resources.



The P.L.A.N.E.T. Organic course is a year-long series of hands-on programmes, working with real examples, people and situations in the field. The emphasis is on applied knowledge, so you gain practical experience. P.L.A.N.E.T. Organic utilises the Golden Bay bioregion and community as a "learning centre". Organic properties in the area serve as living examples which demonstrate the systems being studied academically. Their worker-managers are on-site "field tutors" in specialised subjects. Sustainability principles are the foundation underpinning the whole course.



The organic focus is on small-scale, high-value production. A strong community development component prepares people for leadership

and innovation. It has an academic base, coupled with a strong interactive and practical learning methodology, including individual research projects.

The course is structured to include application and assimilation of skills and knowledge.



P.L.A.N.E.T. Organic is a training centre for organics, permaculture, community planning/action and facilitation. Course activities involve and benefit the Golden Bay bioregion, socially and ecologically.

Participants learn and practice at a supportive local and bioregional level, with national and international links. As a model programme, the style and content of this course should be replicable by

other areas.



P.L.A.N.E.T. Organic provides individuals with knowledge and skills that empower them as facilitators for bioregional self-reliance.



P.L.A.N.E.T. Organic`s educational approach is a combination of experiential and academic learning.



It is for highly motivated people who want to work towards the provision of healthy food, the creation of a well balanced ecosystem and the flourishing of a holistic, prospering culture.



P.L.A.N.E.T. Organic was created as a response to these needs:

To offer an advanced training in permaculture design applicable to a diversity of land use needs.

To complement university graduates’ theoretical learning with practical experience.

To extend and formalise the learning experiences of WWOOFers [Willing Workers on Organic Farms] and graduates of courses in permaculture design and seed saving