Sustainable food production programme developed in partnership with Findhorn Foundation
We are partnering with the Findhorn Foundation to develop a fully funded programme on sustainable food production, aimed primarily at local young, unemployed adults.
The course will build the capacity of unemployed people in this critical area of transition to a sustainable economy.
The one-month programme will combine classroom-based learning at Moray College UHI with practical outdoor lessons at Cullerne Gardens, the seven acres of land next to The Park at Findhorn, which grows much of the food and flowers for the Findhorn Foundation, as well as local shops and the cafe. The gardens are cared for using organic, biodynamic and permaculture methods. That means no chemicals, earth care, fair share and people care.
Covid has highlighted the fragility of our globalised food system, and the increasing impacts of climate change indicate we must rapidly change to more sustainable methods of food production. This programme will examine the economic, social and environmental aspects of food production, giving students an understanding of this critical area of development. Students will build personal resilience and develop the skills to become leaders of this growing edge in Moray.
They will leave with an understanding of the foundations of organic food production, with practical knowledge from their hands-on experience of how to grow, process and market food.
The course will cover:
- Principles of Organic Farming
- Sustainable Food Production
- The Vegetable Aspect of Organic Growing
- The Fruit Aspect of Organic Growing
- Community-Supported Agriculture
- Business Development and Finance
- Personal Capacity Building
If you are 18 years or older, unemployed and a resident of Moray, this is for you.
To apply please submit a personal statement by Tuesday 15 June to jacqui.taylor.moray@uhi.ac.uk telling us a bit about yourself, your current situation, why you would like to participate in the course and what interests you about organic food production. Consider answering how you think participating in this programme could support your personal development, your employability or how you could use these skills to begin your own project.