Permaculture Skills Center’s Farm School Program

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The Permaculture Skills Center is currently accepting applications for its 2016 Farm School program in Sebastopol, California.  With a focus on skill-building, business-training, mentorship and land-access, Farm School is about cultivating the skills and relationships you need to begin and sustain a successful farm enterprise. Taught by leading farmers and farms of Sonoma and Marin County, Farm School supports you in creating a holistic, regenerative farm business.  Learn how to grow food, medicine and raw materials while enhancing water quality and abundance, increasing bio-diversity, building soil and restoring ecosystem health.  Join a cohort interested in exploring functional models of diversified, integrated and permaculture-inspired farm systems that address food security at all levels.  Farm School is a comprehensive, mentored, project-based training on the practical knowledge needed to launch a farm business and take your place in the local food economy. Farm School graduates will also receive a 200-hour PDC, Permaculture Design Certificate upon completion of the program.  www.permacultureskillscenter.org

Farm School starts with a 10-week intensive, followed by an integrated 6-month mentorship.  Students attend class Sunday-Tuesday each week from July 10-September 20, 2016.  Beginning with an in-depth design process, you will learn how to build and support a holistic, regenerative farm system that will increase the life-supporting capacity of land and your revenue.  Our curriculum covers topics such as water systems, soil science, crop planning, agroforestry, energy systems and harvesting techniques.  Each week incorporates a full day of business planning and coaching, evening lectures from successful farmers in the region, and detailed farm tours.  Following the intensive, you will be paired with a supportive mentor, and the next 6 months will be a time of learning-by-doing to build upon your profitable farm or food-related business. This dynamic and well-versed program is one-of-a-kind.  Farm School is an active step towards becoming a leader in ecological stewardship while developing a deep understanding of land systems, agricultural policy and pathways for social influence.

Early Bird tuition (ends April) and a limited number of work trade positions are available. Housing not included.

Submit your application for the Permaculture Skills Center’s Farm School online at www.permacultureskillscenter.org.  Questions can be sent to our program coordinator at lee@permacultureskillscenter.org.  Applications accepted until filled, program begins July 10, 2016.