Syntropic Farming Primer - SELF PACED
Syntropic Farming is an innovative agroforestry practice originating with Ernst Gotsch's farm in Bahia, Brazil. This course introduces you to Syntropic Farming, focusing on growing food and reforesting landscapes from day 30 to year 30. Learn how to use forest succession to regenerate ecosystems and grow food, moving from theory to practical implementation.
Taught by Scott Gallant of Porvenir Design, this primer will primarily draw examples from Costa Rica, with additional insights from Brazil, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. Whether you're looking to transform your property or simply interested in sustainable farming, this primer will equip you with the knowledge to start your journey.
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Using Forest Succession Towards Transformation
In the field of regenerative agriculture, few practices have grown in popularity as quickly as Syntropic Farming has recently, spreading through the world from its origin point at Ernst Gotsch’s farm in Bahia, Brazil.
This course is designed to assist your journey into the practice, providing an understanding of how we can work from “clearing to clearing”, using forest succession as our model, in order to grow food and regenerate ecosystems.
The primer will provide an introduction to the concept of Syntropic Farming, while laying out a clear framework to follow for anyone who wants to begin implementing these systems on their own property, anywhere in the world.
We will move from theory to design to implementation, so that you can spend more time planting and managing your land, than having to second-guess your design. This course will give you the confidence to plant your first syntropic square meter!
This course is designed to assist your journey into the practice, providing an understanding of how we can work from “clearing to clearing”, using forest succession as our model, in order to grow food and regenerate ecosystems.
The primer will provide an introduction to the concept of Syntropic Farming, while laying out a clear framework to follow for anyone who wants to begin implementing these systems on their own property, anywhere in the world.
We will move from theory to design to implementation, so that you can spend more time planting and managing your land, than having to second-guess your design. This course will give you the confidence to plant your first syntropic square meter!
Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.
Dive into the essential concepts of Syntropic Farming.
Would You Like To...
Learn the Theory
Gain a clear understanding of the theory behind Syntropic Farming.
Get Fresh Insight
The course translates key content that is often only found in Portuguese.
Build Your Capacity
Create your own consortium of plants and build out a species list for your climate.
Gain Practical Experience
Practice designing field plots under different contexts, including your own.
Develop a Roadmap
Be able to implement, from propagation to soil preparation to synchronized planting.
Learn From Successes
See key management practices related to pruning, biomass management etc.
Find Out How You Can Get Planting
Gain a complete picture of the concepts of Syntropic Farming, and learn how you can begin your own project, however big or small.
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Seven Modules
Move from theory to design to installation and management.
Recordings
Recordings from presentations, conversations and instructor feedback.
Project Design
Create your own design in the course to deepen your experience of the material.
Community Learning
Learn from the examples brought by your peers during the live course.
Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.
This course is a really good fit for:
Agricultural Professionals
Farmers, agronomists, and agricultural consultants seeking to enhance production through Syntropic methods.
Permaculture Designers
Individuals designing permaculture systems that emphasize sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural landscapes.
Environmentalists
Advocates and activists looking to deepen their understanding of systematic forestry processes that mimic native forests.
Gardeners/Homesteaders
Those interested in improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and promoting regenerative forestry practices.
Policy Makers & Planners
Individuals who shape policies that affect land use, agricultural practices, and environmental conservation.
Teachers & Students
Those involved in environmental science, agriculture, horticulture, and related fields who are eager to expand their knowledge.
This course is not a good fit for:
People with limited time: you may not fully benefit from the course if you cannot commit to actively engaging with the material and exercises.
Those looking for a quick learning session, or who will not be self-motivated to move through the material without instructor oversight.
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Course contents
Course Logistics
WHAT
Recordings from the seven online calls held during the live version of the course.
Teaching materials cut up into digestible chunks.
Teaching materials cut up into digestible chunks.
Includes feedback given to students in the live course about their designs and questions.
WHEN
Any time that works for you!
This is a self-paced course that you can work through in your own time.
This is a self-paced course that you can work through in your own time.
COST
xxxx
Meet the instructor
Scott Gallant
Scott Gallant is a permaculture designer and educator with 15 years of experience working predominantly in Central America.
He is the co-founder of Porvenir Design, a landscape design firm specializing in productive landscapes, agroforestry, water systems, and design of large multi-stakeholder projects.
With his team he organized the first Syntropic Farming workshop in Central America, and since then he has studied with some of the foremost practitioners including Fernando Rebello, Thiago Barbosa, Henrique Sousa, Nat Muget, Jorge Espinosa, and Juã Pereira.
He is the co-founder of Porvenir Design, a landscape design firm specializing in productive landscapes, agroforestry, water systems, and design of large multi-stakeholder projects.
With his team he organized the first Syntropic Farming workshop in Central America, and since then he has studied with some of the foremost practitioners including Fernando Rebello, Thiago Barbosa, Henrique Sousa, Nat Muget, Jorge Espinosa, and Juã Pereira.
He is particularly interested in translating the unique practice of syntropic farming into English and contexts outside of Brazil.
He prides himself on the clear and concise teaching of complex ideas, and has created this course with a goal of bringing more coherence to a robust and powerful practice.
He prides himself on the clear and concise teaching of complex ideas, and has created this course with a goal of bringing more coherence to a robust and powerful practice.
Patrick Jones - Course author
Meet the host
Javan Bernakevitch
Javan Bernakevitch is a life and land designer who speaks, writes, teaches, and consults with clients, businesses, and farms worldwide through All Points Design and RegenerativeLiving.online, helping folks to have better lives and landscapes year after year.
He believes that if we don't design our lives, they'll be designed for us, not for our benefit. "If humans want to have a long life here on our planet, we best act like we are part of the ecology."
Patrick Jones - Course author
"Scott and I have been working together for just under three years, and during this time, I have been enriched by the extensive knowledge that Scott has accumulated during his career with agroforestry farms.
"He is always willing to share information without reservation and has vast knowledge of cultivated tropical species. In addition, he remains attentive to news and advances in regenerative agriculture thanks to the network of contacts that he has established."
"He is always willing to share information without reservation and has vast knowledge of cultivated tropical species. In addition, he remains attentive to news and advances in regenerative agriculture thanks to the network of contacts that he has established."
Gerardo Calderon, Farm Manager at Finca Luna Nueva, Costa Rica
"Under Scott's guidance, we've designed and installed 4 different agroforestry systems. I've learned more during this process than in 4 years of college, without a doubt.
"I admire Scott's incredible capacity to break down complex subjects into simple and digestible concepts that are easy to understand. His experience and passion make him an awesome teacher."
Javier Abdelnour, Farm Manager at Tierramor, Costa Rica
Frequently asked questions
How long will I have access to the course material?
You'll have access to the course material for one year from the start date of the course.
Is the course refundable?
The course is non-refundable.
Can my partner or friend look over my shoulder while I take the course?
Yes! Your registration allows for one "over the shoulder" viewing of the course. We ask you not to share your login information with anyone else.