Training in Small Scale Ecological Agriculture

Posted on May 26, 2021 by Taylor in Beginning Farmers, Education, Farming, Organic, Training Programs // 0 Comments

Training in Small Scale Ecological Agriculture at Tres Estrellas Organic Farm and Garden in Baja Mexico – 2021

The Tres Estrellas “Soil-to-Table Certification Program” is a 6-week residential program that provides training in small-scale ecological farming, farm-to-table operations and self-reliance. Participants live, learn and work at the scenic 6-acre Tres Estrellas Organic Farm and Garden located in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico, one hour south of San Diego, CA. The training covers the basics of small- scale, ecological farming and farm-to-table operations through a dynamic combination of curriculum presentations, group discussions, hands-on field work, cooking and food preservation, field trips, and individual projects. Participants will receive a “Soil-To-Table Certification Program” certificate upon completion.

Tres Estrellas Organic Farm and Garden is a 35-year-old, 6-acre organic production and educational farm. The farm was founded and nurtured by Sarah Livia Brightwood, President of Rancho la Puerta. The permaculture inspired farm elegantly incorporates organic, biointensive fruit and vegetable production, agroforestry, agrobiodiversity conservation and animal husbandry to create an idyllic example of ecological agriculture. The Mediterranean climate of Tecate, with light winter frosts, allows year-round production of a great diversity of plants at Tres Estrellas. In addition to growing nutrient dense, organic produce, Tres Estrellas protects the immediate and surrounding natural resources by building carbon rich soil, protecting and recycling water and preventing topsoil erosion.

Tres Estrellas Organic Farm and Garden produces organic mixed fruits and vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs, eggs, goat milk and cut flowers for three commercial kitchens. Fruits and vegetables are intensively planted in permanent raised beds that are strategically placed amongst perennial fruit and herb hedgerows. Egg laying chickens are located throughout the farm, providing organic eggs for the commercial kitchens, as well as helping to improve the health of the farm’s soil. The farm’s free-range Nigerian Dwarf goats provide soil enhancement through manure production and fresh milk for consumption and cheese making.

No prior experience is necessary to participate in the program. Participants should expect to commit 40-45 hours/week to the program. Most of the programming takes place Monday- Friday, with occasional field trips on Saturdays. Sundays are free days.

The program involved a good amount of physical work both in the farm and in the kitchen.

The cost for the program is $1,500 USD. The program includes shared housing, meals, transportation to and from San Diego International Airport, daily curriculum and guided field work as well as two Saturdays at Rancho La Puerta Wellness Resort and Spa.

Dates for the summer program: July 10- Aug 21 2021.