Farming for People and Planet is a 15 day permaculture and cooperative leadership program, in which participants develop the skills to apply environmental stewardship in everyday life. As a ‘living sustainability lab’, the project is hosted by a working farm and retreat center, Ananda Viplava, and combines agricultural workshops with spiritual study and cultural events around local food. May 15-29, 2022
Regenerative Agriculture and Food Sovereignty
Covering the basics of growing food in a self-sufficient and organic manner, the program offers a series of workshops and hands-on experience in plant care, garden design, soil health, water management, and ecosystem services. Each day includes 1-3 hours for educational workshops, 1 hour for cultural events, and 3-5 hours of farm apprenticeship.
Neohumanist Spiritual Study
Understood as a universal worldview, Neohumanism is the application of humanist values to plants, animals, and the environment. It is marked by the continual effort to expand one’s sense of community. Daily spiritual study, including collective meditation, yoga asanas, and democratic discussions explore Neohumanism and how it could be applied in our society. Workshops draw upon the activist study booklet Tools to Change the World.
Cooperative Development and Independent Projects
Following democratic principles, the program features team building exercises, cooperative games, and opportunities for participants to co-lead sustainability projects on the farm. Collective meals, cultural events, and film screenings are part of daily life, and are shared with other staff, volunteers, and retreat goers at Ananda Viplava. The culmination of the program includes a farm tour and presentation of participant-led projects, followed by a farm to table dinner for the local community.
Schedule: May 15th - 29th
Each day includes 1-3 hours for educational workshops, 1 hour for cultural events, and 4-6 hours of farm apprenticeship. Two hours are reserved for collective meditation and yoga asana classes are offered.
Objectives
As an opportunity to develop self-sufficient food systems, the training program will give you the skills and confidence to grow your own food, nourish biodiversity and ecosystem services, and initiate cooperative projects of your own. Discover how permaculture and local food can mitigate climate change all while creating justice in our economy.
Specific Skills
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Learn how to grow your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs aligned with nature.
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Develop a stewardship ethic with workshops hosted by certified permaculturists, yogis, ecologists and food activists.
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Learn a yoga and meditation practice, or enhance the one you already have.
Cost
$700 per person: all inclusive: programs, housing and vegetarian meals.
A limited # of partial scholarships is available.
Contact av.revolutionaryfarming@gmail.com
For details on the workshop descriptions, presenter bios and daily schedule see our website AnandaViplava.org/Revolutionary Farming.
