Online course for biodynamic advisors
How to advice a conversion project (for Demeter certification)
Course description
An online course with the Demeter advisor Dr. Reto Ingold. This online course has been developed for the accreditation requirements as Demeter Advisor in partnership with Biodynamic Federation-Demeter International (BFDI) and will now be offered by the Section for Agriculture at the Goetheanum.
This course is designed to support people who already work as biodynamic advisors or for students on their way to be an biodynamic advisor and who would like to learn the basics about (Demeter) conversion and how to advice a conversion project (for Demeter certifciation)
Next Date
not yet defined
You are welcome to indicate your interest here without any commitment, and we will be happy to inform you in case the course will be repeated
Course leader
Reto Ingold
Since 1982 Reto Ingold is engaging actively in biodynamic agriculture, fascinated by the holistic principle of cultivation for agriculture. He is working as advisor, trainer and mentor, for many years in the biodynamic education in Switzerland (Rheinau) and since 1995 independently giving courses, lectures, seminars and individual and group consultations. He is part of the Peer Review Quality System for biodynamic advisors and his main working fields are "Field crops, Fruit growing, Vegetable Growing, Viticulture, Olive cultivation, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Biodynamic Preparations, Tropical agriculture, Agroforestry, Permaculture and Plant protection". He puts a lot of emphasis on "capacity-building of the farmers and advisors" for an independent and sustainable way in the future.
See online profile here: Directory of biodynamic advisors
Program
A specific course for biodynamic advisors or students to learn more about conversion of a farm with following themes:
- Role and responsibilties of the advisor
- What is full farm conversion?
- Biodynamic Preperations and other inputs (Manure and compost)
- Family and Interpretation of Demeter International Standards
- Scope of a conversion plan, creation of a conversion plan
The course lasts six weeks, with a total of 5 live session of 1h30min and includes important homework (for example a conversion report).
Monday's Live sessions via Zoom
07.11.2022, 14.11.2022, 21.11.2022, 28.11.2022 and 12.12.2022 (13:30-15:30 CET, UTC+1)
Practical Information
Costs
Participation fee: CHF 300
Participation for middle income countries + students: CHF 120
Participation fee for low income countries and students from middle income countries: CHF 65
https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and-lending-groups
Language
English
Required learning material
International Demeter Biodynamic Standard
Technical requirements
Desktop, Laptop or Tablet Computer with up-to-date browser and, microphone & video camera
Zoom Application (Zoom Client for Meetings, free download: https://zoom.us/download#client_4meeting)
Telegram app for in-between conversion with other students: https://telegram.org/ (voluntary)
Participation terms
Biodynamic advisors; students on the way to becoming an advisor with previous knowledge (Practical experience in biodynamic agriculture, vocational training in agriculture OR a university degree in agronomy, Knowledge of biodynamic preparations and application practices). Comparable experiences or education is accepted, please contact us.