Syntropic Farming Workshop
30 Oct - 3 NOV 2024 with TERRA NETWORK- Felipe Amato and La Loma Viva team
About the course
La Loma Viva was introduced to Ernst Gotsch and his paradigm-shifting practice of Syntropic Farming in 2016. Since then we have been researching, implementing and advancing the application of Syntropic Farming in a Mediterranean context.
We are thrilled to announce that we have recently launched the TERRA Network, collaborating with an international team of professionals dedicated to providing high-quality education in Syntropic Farming. Together, we are committed to delivering comprehensive workshops led by experienced local practitioners, designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to transform your approach to farming.
5-Day “Foundation Course in Syntropic Farming” (Taught in English)
This autumn, we are excited to invite you to this transformative and immersive Foundation Course. This is not just an introduction — it's an in-depth journey into the principles and practices of Syntropic Farming.
Join us, to:
Learn about the revolutionary Syntropic farming method, both in theory and practice
Gain hands-on skills that you can directly apply to your own projects
Deepen your knowledge with real-world insights from seasoned practitioners who have many years of experience with this innovative approach
Transform your understanding of how Nature works and enter a new paradigm of Syntropic thinking
The workshop will be held here at La Loma Viva, where you can immerse yourself in our beautiful location and benefit from our 8 years of research and practical experience. This is more than just a workshop, its an opportunity to feel Syntropic Farming in action, connect with nature, see our established systems and learn from our journey, understanding the challenges we've faced and the successes we've achieved.
30 Oct - One Day Introduction to Syntropic Farming class. If you aren’t able to attend the full workshop, there is the possibility to come on the first day, where we will introduce some of the main principles. (*Discounts for local residents and previous students of La Loma Viva, contact us for details)
Course Content:
Philosophy and Principles of Syntropic Farming as developed by Ernst Gotsch
Understanding Nature´s processes of regeneration. and how to harness them
Working with your local environment and conditions (soils, water, topography, local plants, etc.)
The importance of Stratification and the sunlight requirements for different species
Natural Succession: how to mimic nature's cycles by selecting groups of species for every stage
Understanding the function of different plant species and using that to design successful agro-ecosystems
Production: choosing the right species that need less inputs and can also add market value
Management strategies: Syntropic farming relies on managing your system correctly
Pruning: how to invigorate the system while harvesting biomass
Mulching: how to process biomass and use it to keep the soil constantly covered.
Socio-economic factors and why we need a revolution in our food production systems
Syntropic Farming in different climatic contexts
An overview of the Mediterranean and semi-arid climate zones, their current challenges and the potential of Syntropic Farming to regenerate these areas while growing important food crops
Learning and applying practical planting techniques in the field
Implementing Syntropic agroforestry systems: in this workshop we will begin a new area to give you an overview of how to start planting a Syntropic system from scratch. We will also be pruning and managing an existing system and taking it to the next level of succession, so you will have the opportunity to see how this is done.
facilitators
Felipe Amato will be the lead facilitator of the course. Felipe is from Brazil and was an early student of Ernst Gotsch since 2010. He has extensive knowledge and practical experience of Syntropic agroforestry. Felipe is a forest farmer with a productive project in Brazil. He has been teaching for more than 10 years and consulting on projects in Brazil and Europe. Felipe is the founder of the TERRA Network and is a sought-after consultant. His work throughout Europe over the past years has provided him with a great repertoire of plant species for regenerating Mediterranean and other European climate zones. With a background in philosophy, Felipe is able to break down complex theory and make it accessible for students to understand. He is an open and charismatic facilitator, with a practical and engaging teaching style.
The La Loma Viva team of Karen and Ryan will be facilitating classes and field practicals, adding their 8 years of experience with Mediterranean systems, to the workshop.
logistics
Join us this autumn for a truly immersive experience at our 5-Day "Foundation Course”. Autumn is the ideal planting season in our climate, and we’re excited to host a small, intimate group of up to 16 participants at our retreat centre, ensuring personalized attention and a rich learning environment.
What the workshop includes:
Cozy Accommodations: Relax in a comfortable bed after a day of inspiring learning.
Gourmet Organic Cuisine: Enjoy three delicious meals daily, along with snacks and drinks, all lovingly prepared by our talented chefs. Experience the joy of eating nourishing food from the land, a core reason behind our work.
Escape to a Mediterranean oasis: leave the city behind and take in the stunning views and peaceful surroundings of La Loma Viva.
Get the Full Syntropic Experience: Our workshops are about more than just learning; they’re about experiencing a different way of living. Connect with the earth, yourself, and one another in a mutually regenerative way.
Spaces are limited to ensure a high-quality experience, with a maximum of 16 participants, you’ll receive personalized attention and individual guidance and support.
Join a community of like-minded people and start a journey of collaboration and inspiration.
Arrival: 29th October 2024 evening (dinner will be provided at 7pm)
Departure: 3rd November 2024 (course will end at 5pm) or stay an extra night for a small celebration.
For travel info and other logistics click here for Visitors Page
* Unfortunately we cannot accommodate children, pets, camping or work exchange at this time. Camper vans by arrangement (we have a fairly steep dirt track)
investment
Enjoy a relaxed stay at our beautiful retreat centre, which is all-inclusive and on-site. We provide everything that you need for a comfortable and enriching experience.
5 Day Syntropic Farming Workshop - 475€
Cosy Accommodation (shared rooms 2-3 people) - 30€ per night
Gourmet Organic Food: Savor delicious, freshly prepared meals, by our talented chef, for all food preferences, along with snacks and drinks - 30€ per day
All Inclusive Workshop Total Price - 775€ (5 Days of Classes, Accommodation & Catering) From evening of 29th Oct - 3rd Nov afternoon
OR: One Day Syntropic Farming class plus lunch - 115€
La Loma Viva is a non-profit Foundation. All funds go towards continued research in regenerative farming.
Deposit to reserve your place 150€ (remainder must be paid by 20-10-24)
Click the link below to register your place and pay via our secure online booking option (which we are sorry to say incurs an internet booking fee) or pay by bank transfer at no extra cost.
*Residents of Granada and previous students of La Loma get a 10% discount on the workshop price of 475€, email us for details and to book.
Contact us if you have any questions; we will gladly assist. We look forward to seeing you here!
