There is a lot to cover in a few short weeks, but we’re sure every participant will benefit greatly from this interesting and diverse program.. Most of the faculty teaching these subjects are either part of their respective farm communities or very closely associated with them.

The following provides a good overview of the subjects that are selected for each internship.

Tropical Agriculture: Planting fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices in the wet tropical rainforest

Water is certainly a valuable commodity in the propagation of fruits and vegetables; and too much water also presents a challenge. The biodiversity of plants and vegetation is amazing in the rainforest - we have over 170 varieties of tropical fruits, nuts, vegetables, spices and herbs. Many are staples in our everyday diets and many are exotics collected from around the world. Each has a story.

This one week module will delight anyone desiring a green thumb as we explore:

- Tropical fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices
- Propagation techniques
- Gardens
- Milpahs
- Green House
- Seed collecting
- Food sources

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Natural Building

Natural Building can play an important part in the sustainability of any project in the tropics. Incorporating natural and recycled materials, found locally, into housing for animals, homes and garden/farm structures affords one the possibility to create inexpensive and comfortable alternatives to conventional methods.

This one-week module will cover the following building techniques:

- Bamboo fencing and garden structures
- Waddle and dab
- Cob construction
- Use of recycled materials
- Exploring natural roofing alternatives


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Permaculture Design

Permaculture is a design science and philosophy, which seeks connections and relationships based on regeneration and permanence. The study of Permaculture is a hybrid of wisdom from the examination of traditional cultures, natural systems and appropriate technologies. With Permaculture we begin to gain an understanding of how we can design our human systems with intention based on the stability and resilience of natural systems. With Ecology as our foundation, we can then become part of the process of permanent culture and agriculture.
There are many integrated sciences that complete the puzzle of understanding our relationship to design.

Here are just some topics we’ll be covering in this module of the internship:

- Permaculture Ethics and Principles
- Ecology and Natural Patterns
- Design Principles and Process
- Organic Gardening and Fertility Management
- Alternative Agriculture
- Plant Propagation
- Agro-forestry
- Aquaculture
- Integrated Animal Systems
- Water: Resources and Management
- Natural Building and Passive Solar Design
- Alternative Energies
- Appropriate Technology
- Regeneration Reforestation
- Right Livelihood

A formal Permaculture Certificate will be offered upon completion of the Internship.

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Biodynamics & Animal Husbandry

Biodynamics® is the oldest non-chemical agricultural system being used today. Arising out of post-war Europe, Biodynamics® seeks to work with and enhance the health-giving forces of nature. It is a sustainable system of renewal with the goal of creating an environment rich in the fundamental elements of life, providing plants and animals with the optimum nutrition needed to complete the circle of perfect health with man. Biodynamics® considers every farm as a living, breathing individual entity. Therefore Biodynamic practices and their applications will vary from one farm to another. In this packed week, we'll look to cover:

- Biodynamic field sprays – 500, 501, barrel compost, horse-tail tea
- Biodynamic preps – ingredients, making of them, use and storage
- Building Biodynamic compost piles
- Making of fish emulsion and manure teas
- Use of Efficient Micro-organisms (EMs), friendly bacteria and worm castings
- Planting and working with the stars (use of the Biodynamic Calendar)

Animals play an integral part of Biodynamics and in our lives here at Ipe. With proper care and management animals provide the necessary inputs vital to establishing and creating a top-notch, sustainable fertility system. As well they supply us with a superior food source conveying optimum nutrition and again completing the circle with man.

At Finca Ipe we have a number of different animals we tend to and in this combined week, we will look to cover the following subject areas relating to the animal care of free range layers, broilers, ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep and goats:

- Health issues in the tropics and some natural healing remedies
- Feeds, fodders and pasture maintenance
- Housing
- Breeding
- Milking (yogurt & cheese making)

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To find out more about the dates and Groups available, plus a general overview of the program, click here.