Rio Muchacho Organic Farm
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| Composting and enriching pig waste in coconut
circles |
INTRODUCTORY APPRENTICESHIP IN ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
1 month practical and theoretical course
Click here for more information about the farm and its ecopractices.
Apply Now! Fill out the application form below.
Students from 2005
Course Content:
history of conventional farming principles of organic farming soil / plant relationship
law of return
diversity
rotation
soil building and preservation
moisture conservation mulch gardening
double dig gardening-French intensive
method
no dig gardening
organic fertilizers
liquid fertilizers
green manures
using legumes
composting
vinegars
bocashi
worm farming
plant associations and rotations
companion plants
pest and disease management
identification
traps and repellents
natural insecticides
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organic standards and certification
medicinal plants
land restoration
conversion to Organic Agriculture from
a conventional system
Permaculture
principles
design
ethics
multiple use
integration of resources
alternative energy- solar, biogas,
pumps
gray water systems
Biodynamic farming
history
principles
preparations
Other non polluting farming methods
Seed saving
Plant propagation- grafting, seeds
Traditional use of the moon calendar
in agriculture.
Irrigation systems
Bee keeping |
Visits :
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| peeling coffee |
Orientation, visit to Ecoprojects in Bahía
Ecocity:
Paper recycling project
Organic Farm close to Quito
Rio Muchacho Community Environmental school
Optional visits / activities on the weekends:
*Isla Corazon
* Dry Tropical Forest
* Paragliding
* Horse riding on the beach
* Surf classes
* Biking
Other cultural activities while on the farm:
*Chocolate and coffee making
*Carving mate ( gourds ) to make cups and spoons
*Making jewelry out of palm seeds and vegetable Ivory
*Fishing river shrimp
*Making fresh aloe vera shampoo and local clay face mask etc.
*Trip to Humid Tropical forest, waterfalls and monkeys
Making liquid fertilizer
Claire´s Birthday ! May 2006 course
(clic on the image to enlarge)
Visit to organic farm near Quito
(clic on the image to enlarge)
Bee keeping class
(clic on the image to enlarge)
Making bocashi, an organic fermented fertilizer
(clic on the image to enlarge)
Course hours
Monday to Saturday
Sunday is a free day for spending at the farm or at the beach town of
Canoa where you can do internet, have surf classes, go horse riding on
the beach, or just enjoy cocktails from a hammock beneath the coconut palms
!
Where is the course held?
The courses are held at Rio Muchacho Organic
Farm on the coast of Ecuador near Bahía de Caráquez Ecocity.
Lodging is in rustic but comfortable bamboo and thatch cabins, all meals
are family style with the participants and people who live on the farm.
The food is vegetarian and with white meat. special dietary restrictions
can normally be catered to, please consult us!
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| Composting workshop, applying ash to the compost |
Course dates
May, August and November
Who is the course for?
The course is designed for people who have
no experience or prior training in agriculture. It is an opportunity
to learn and practice new skills, experience a new culture and learn
some Spanish!
Can I get University Credit for the Apprenticeship Program?
The apprenticeship program is accepted in most schools as credit for your
studies. We are happy to fill out any evaluation forms etc that you might
need.
Learning about seed saving
 Planting some heritage seeds from Seeds of Change  Spacing the seeds
Do you need to know Spanish ?
Some Spanish is useful but not a requirement. The course will be in English,
however some of the practical work may be done with Spanish speakers. There
will be some Spanish classes in the first few days so that participants
feel more comfortable communicating with the local people.
Included:
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| Explaining the principles of organic farming |
Hotel pick up, Transport to the coast ( executive bus ) Spanish classes, accommodation, bedding, All meals provided while at Rio Muchacho or on organized day trips , written information, reading material re organic, biodynamic farming and Permaculture, rubber boots.
Not included:
Extra meals and drinks
Cost:
US$1200
($1000 if booking and payment is made three months before the starting date)
Discounts for sharing couples or groups of friends.
Tutors - Nicola Mears New Zealander - Graduated in Horticulture,
Non Polluting Agriculture and National Parks and Recreation Management.
Fifteen years of experience in Ecuador. Has worked as Inspector of Organic
Farms on a National and International Basis.
Miguel Ayala- Expert in sustainable farming, trained in Ecuador, USA & Europe. Teacher of ecological plant protection.
Javier Carreras- Expert in Permaculture and seed saving ( Coordinator of seed savers network )
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| Sowing seed in nursery area |
After the
course
Some participants might like to stay on at the farm for more practical experience
and others might like to travel before returning home. We can help with travel
information and reservations for Galapagos, the Amazon, mountain climbing
etc.
Fill out this form to apply to the Apprenticeship in Organic Agriculture at Rio Muchacho Organic Farm. Or contact us for more information.
Click here for more information about the farm and its ecopractices.
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