WBT Info

• INTRODUCTION

  The Crossfields Institute Level 3 Diploma in Biodynamic Farming and Gardening provides a two-year training that combines the development of practical skills alongside the development of deeper understanding which is needed for a new generation of farmers and gardeners in agroecology. This training is designed along the lines of a classical apprenticeship, combining practical and theoretical learning with the aim of building confidence and resilience in producing high-quality food in a way that works cooperatively with nature – just what is needed to make the world a better place.

  Sustainable agriculture offers solutions for current challenges and potential for positive change in areas such as climate, environment, health, and economics. This training prepares students to be part of this positive change in the world. By working alongside experienced practitioners and being actively involved in the management of a biodynamic/organic farm or garden, students gain the ‘on the job’ skills needed to run a production enterprise.

  Alongside the development of practical skills, students take seminars during the winter months when the practical work is less pressing. These courses bring students from all over the country together to consider biodynamic principles, aspects of a farm and garden and how these can work together harmoniously with nature. They include classroom and outdoor teaching, artistic activities and plenty of discussions.

  Students access more than 30 teachers each with a background that offers insight into many different relevant areas. These complement the practical experience gained in day-to-day work, offering the opportunity to work meaningfully in creating practical solutions for the future on farm study.

  With more than 20 years of experience in the provision of agricultural education, we are pleased to offer this unique professional training – the only certified level 3 diploma in the agroecological sector in the UK.

• CERTIFIED?

  The Diploma in Biodynamic Farming and Gardening is an Ofqual Regulated qualification awarded by Crossfields Institute.  It was designed as a collaboration between the Biodynamic Agricultural College (BDAC) and Crossfields Institute to be delivered by BDAC and is endorsed by the Biodynamic Board of Studies and the Biodynamic Association. 

  Crossfields Institute assures the quality and standard of the training and assessment offering a meaningful and internationally accepted vocational qualification.

• EARN AS YOU LEARN

  Really, the training is not expensive. 

  Consider, you are getting a thorough education without incurring debt. Seminar days are cheap compared to most other training schemes. Your training is unique: professional, certified, comprehensive, holistic and covers biodynamic, organic and permaculture aspects. Our training rewards the work placements with grants to ensure their commitment to train you, which is half of your BDAC fee.

• PRACTICALITIES AND COST

  Students identify a work placement in a farm or garden (see our list of training centres).  When you begin the work placement you become an employed trainee at the training centre which includes a contract with the farm for working hours (usually 35-44 hours per week with seasonal flexibility) and a wage (all farms pay at least minimum wage).  These wages should be enough to cover your living expenses and the cost of your training (which is a £500* initial payment followed by 24 monthly payments of £360*).  These payments include all the costs of your training on and off the farm: 40 days of seminars, accommodation and lunches during the seminars, personal support, quality assurance, registration and assessment.

  There is no specific date for starting the training, this is usually agreed in negotiation with the training centre and although it is often most convenient for a training centre to have new students joining in Spring or Autumn, enrolment for the diploma course are welcome throughout the year.  

  The seminars are on a continuous rotation and are flexible to meet students’ needs.

  *prices right at time of writing – a time of soaring costs. Please confirm costs when applying.

• REQUIREMENTS

  Students who enrol in the Diploma course should have a minimum of six months of practical experience in land-based work. It is essential that students have the capacity for self-guided study, the motivation for active learning, and an open attitude to biodynamic perspectives.

  An equivalent to GCSE level education (level 2) and a minimum age of 18 is required, though due to the nature of the training, an age of at least 21 is recommended (there is no upper age limit).

  Students should be willing and able to take on physical work in an agricultural environment throughout the seasons and to work in the normal routines of the placement. This can sometimes mean long working hours and weekend work. Each training centre will also have their own requirements including respect for health and safety, general rules of conduct and possibly the need for a valid driving license.

  If you currently have no practical experience and are interested in the training, there are a few ways to gain some practical experience. Some of the training centres offer seasonal volunteer placements, or you can take a look at the links below for routes to gain experience.

  https://ktcityfarm.org.uk/growing-food-and-community-traineeship-2/

  https://www.wwoof.org.uk

  www.communitysupportedagriculture.org.uk

• DOWNLOADS / DOCUMENTS

  Programme of seminars

  Workbook for training

  Work placements information

• I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION!

  Email info@bdacollege.org.uk or contact us