Syntropic Farming Primer

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. 

Facilitated 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!
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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.
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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 Online Calls

Move from theory to design to installation and management.

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Recordings

Can't make one of the sessions? Recordings will be made available.

Project Design

Create your own design in the course and receive feedback.

Community Learning

Learn from the examples brought by your peers.
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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 participating in exercises.
Those looking for a quick learning session: this is a structured learning experience spread over multiple sessions.
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Course contents

Course Logistics

WHAT

Seven live calls held on Zoom, each lasting two hours.

1 Hour Presentation
20-Minute Group Discussion
40-Minute Q and A

WHEN

Oct 15 2024 - Introduction to Syntropic Farming
Oct 22 2024 - Natural Succession and Life Cycle Details
Oct 29 2024 - Stratification and Light Requirements Details
Nov 5 2024 - Consortium and Planting Design 1
Nov 12 2024 - Consortium and Planting Design 2
Nov 19 2024 - Installation and Management
Nov 26 2024 - Final Project Presentation

TIME ZONE

Calls will start at:

5pm PST
6pm MST
7pm CST
8pm EST

COST

REGULAR PRICE $399 USD
EARLY BIRD - Oct 1 
$299 USD

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 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.
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."
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. 

Start Syntropic Farming today!

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