** Revisied Dates for workshop is 21st - 23rd September, 2024
The Regenerative Agriculture Workshop is a comprehensive free three-day program designed for individuals involved in agriculture, ranging from farmers and agricultural practitioners to agribusiness professionals, educators, government officials, environmental advocates, community leaders, and entrepreneurs. This workshop is dedicated to fostering knowledge, practical skills, and community collaboration in the realm of regenerative agriculture for enhanced food security and climate resilience.
Dates and Duration:
- Dates: 29th – 31st August, 2024 * New Dates 21st - 23rdSeptember, 2024
- Duration: 3 days
Location:
17125, Schomberg, Ontario, Canada
Target Audience:
- Small-scale and large-scale farmers
- Agronomists, soil scientists, and agricultural consultants
- Agribusiness professionals and supply chain representatives
- Agricultural educators, researchers, and students
- Government officials and policy makers
- Environmental and sustainability advocates
- Community leaders and organizers
- Entrepreneurs and business professionals
Objectives:
The workshop aims to achieve the following objectives:
1. Knowledge Enhancement:
Understand fundamental principles of regenerative agriculture.
Grasp the importance of holistic and sustainable farming practices.
Develop a deep understanding of soil health and management.
Recognize the benefits of crop diversification, rotation, cover cropping, and mulching.
2. Practical Implementation Skills:
Acquire hands-on skills in cover cropping, mulching, holistic grazing, and livestock integration. Master efficient irrigation methods and water conservation strategies.
Implement agro-forestry practices and permaculture design principles.
3. Advanced Regenerative Practices:
- Develop insights into creating a regenerative and profitable farming business model.
- Identify market opportunities for regenerative products.
- Provide practical exposure through a farm visit and demonstrations.
4. Community Building and Networking:
- Engage with industry experts and successful practitioners through guest speaker sessions.
- Facilitate interactive workshops and group discussions for shared learning.
- Establish a supportive network for ongoing collaboration.
Workshop Structure:
Day 1: Understanding the Foundations
- Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture
- Soil Health and Management
- Crop Rotation and Diversification
Day 2: Practical Implementation Techniques
- Cover Cropping and Mulching
- Holistic Grazing and Livestock Integration
- Water Management and Conservation
Day 3: Advanced Practices and Field Experience
- Agroforestry and Permaculture
- Regenerative Business Models
- Field Trip and Demonstrations
Activities:
The workshop incorporates a variety of activities, including icebreaker sessions, group discussions, hands-on soil testing, interactive workshops, practical demonstrations, guest speaker Q&A panels, a guided field trip, networking opportunities, and a certificate distribution ceremony.
Evaluation and Feedback:
Participants will be assessed through field-based quizzes, group project assessments, and continuous feedback sessions. A certificate will be awarded upon completion of the workshop.
Post-Workshop Support:
Participants will receive post-workshop resources, including a comprehensive course handbook, handouts, relevant articles, recommended readings, and information on further education and networking opportunities.
Course Facilitators:
The workshop will be facilitated by experts in regenerative agriculture, with diverse backgrounds in agriculture, environmental science, and business.
Regenerative Agriculture Workshop Comprehensive Timeline
Day 1: Understanding the Foundations
Morning Session: Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture (9:00 AM - 10:30 AM)
- Welcome and Icebreaker
- Definition and Principles of Regenerative Agriculture
- Importance for Food Security and Climate Resilience
Mid-Morning Session: Soil Health and Management (10:45 AM - 12:15 PM)
- The Role of Soil Health in Food Security
- Soil Testing and Analysis Techniques
- Techniques for Soil Improvement
Afternoon Session: Crop Rotation and Diversification (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM)
- Crop Rotation for Soil Health
- Diversification Strategies for Enhanced Resilience
- Group Discussion: Applying Principles to Participants' Farms
Day 2: Practical Implementation Techniques
Morning Session: Cover Cropping and Mulching (9:00 AM - 10:30 AM)
- Cover Crop Benefits for Climate Resilience
- Practical Techniques for Successful Cover Cropping
- Hands-On Activity: Mulching Demonstration
Mid-Morning Session: Holistic Grazing and Livestock Integration (10:45 AM - 12:15 PM)
- Holistic Management Principles for Sustainable Grazing
- Integrating Livestock for Soil Health
- Interactive Workshop: Designing Sustainable Grazing Practices
Afternoon Session: Water Management and Conservation (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM)
- Efficient Irrigation Methods
- Rainwater Harvesting Techniques
- Practical Strategies for Water Conservation
Day 3: Advanced Practices and Field Experience
Morning Session: Agroforestry and Permaculture (9:00 AM - 10:30 AM)
- Integrating Trees for Resilience
- Sustainable Landscape Design with Permaculture
- Guest Speaker: Expert in Agroforestry and Permaculture
Mid-Morning Session: Regenerative Business Models (10:45 AM - 12:15 PM)
- Balancing Sustainability and Profitability
- Exploring Market Opportunities
- Group Discussion: Building Sustainable Farming Businesses
Afternoon Session: Field Trip and Demonstrations (1:30 PM - 4:30 PM)
- Departure for Regenerative Farm Visit
- Observation of Regenerative Practices
- Q&A with Farm Owners
- Practical Demonstrations: Cover Cropping, Soil Testing, and Grazing Techniques
Evening Session: Networking Dinner (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
- Informal Networking Opportunities
- Participant Sharing and Discussion
Evaluation and Feedback Session (8:15 PM - 9:00 PM)
- Assessments to Gauge Understanding
- Participant Feedback for Course Improvement
- Certificate Distribution
Note: The schedule is subject to change, and adjustments may be made based on participant needs, weather conditions, or unforeseen circumstances. Breaks and networking opportunities are integrated throughout the program to enhance participant engagement and interaction.
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