Eric has a Degree in Tropical Agriculture (4 years degree course) specialising in tropical production (1986-1990) and completed a postgraduate course in Environmental control methods and policies.

He worked for the VSO for 5 years in Indonesia (Flores) with several NGO’s and local government institutions, training local staff in low agricultural input methods, extension training and established drinking and irrigation water projects. He has also worked extensively in Zambia (1990).
He now lives in France with his wife Jan and has created a functioning organic farm from scratch in the Dordogne region in South Western France. He began work on the project in 1997. This 3 hectare market garden farm consists of mainly vegetables and an organic vineyard (1 hectare). He has also recently began producing hemp for oil and fibre. The farm is licensed with the French soil association (Ecocert) and his produce is certified organic.
The wine (red wine and a dessert wine) is produced following the traditional regional methods.
Products are sold at the market in the nearby city (Brive ) during the year and in the summer at the popular farmers markets held in beautiful villages and at the farm.

 

The Course

This 5 day course in Organic Farming is designed for people wishing to explore all aspects of Organic Farming including business management and agricultural methods.
As Eric and Jan literally created the farm from nothing, coupled with virtually zero French and have taken it to become a highly productive organic farm, fully compliant with European Union organic standards. Their experience will prove invaluable to anyone wishing to take up this rapidly expanding business area.

The course will cover basics of every area of organic farming and further, more specialized courses, such as wine production are currently being planned.
Accommodation will be in local hotels,Gites or, if you wish, camping and all meals will be provided.

The cost will be €750 (approx £500) fully inclusive of all meals, accommodation and airport pick-ups etc.

If you wish to be informed when dates are fixed for this course please fill in the waiting list form below.

Waiting list .

(Note: By filling in this form you are not making a commitment in any way, it is only an expression of interest.

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