Integrating Regenerative Organic Agriculture & Agroforestry
Based on the foundational work of Bill Mollison, Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, Alan Chadwick (UCSC), Oregon State University, and leading practitioners in regenerative agriculture
Course Overview
This 72-hour Permaculture Design Course integrates classical permaculture principles with cutting-edge regenerative organic agriculture and agroforestry practices. Students will learn to design sustainable human settlements and food production systems that work with natural ecosystems rather than against them.
Duration: 12 days (intensive) or 12 weeks (extended format)
Prerequisites: None – suitable for beginners to advanced practitioners
Certification: Official PDC certificate upon completion of design project
Core Learning Objectives
By course completion, students will be able to:
- Apply the 12 principles of permaculture to real-world design challenges
- Integrate regenerative organic practices with permaculture systems
- Design productive agroforestry systems for various climates and scales
- Conduct site analysis using permaculture observation methods
- Create comprehensive land use designs using zones and sectors
- Implement soil building techniques that sequester carbon
- Design water harvesting and management systems
- Establish food forests and polyculture guilds
- Apply appropriate technology solutions for energy and waste
- Develop economically viable permaculture enterprises
Course Syllabus & Outline
Module 1: Foundations of Permaculture (Days 1-2)
Core Concepts:
- History and philosophy of permaculture (Bill Mollison & David Holmgren)
- The ethics: Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share
- The 12 design principles in depth
- Systems thinking and ecological design
- Introduction to regenerative organic principles
Activities:
- Nature observation walk and journaling
- Principles scavenger hunt on site
- Personal ethics reflection exercise
- Introduction to design methodology
Key Readings:
- Mollison’s “Introduction to Permaculture”
- Holmgren’s “Permaculture Principles & Pathways Beyond Sustainability”
Module 2: Site Analysis & Reading the Landscape (Days 3-4)
Core Concepts:
- Climate patterns and microclimates
- Topography, slope, and aspect analysis
- Soil assessment and testing
- Water flow and hydrology
- Existing vegetation and wildlife assessment
- Cultural and social landscape factors
Activities:
- Complete site survey using surveying tools
- Soil testing workshop (physical, chemical, biological)
- Microclimate mapping exercise
- Water flow observation and mapping
- Creating base maps and overlays
Integration with Chadwick Method:
- French intensive observation techniques
- Biointensive soil assessment methods
- Double-digging demonstration and practice
Module 3: Water Systems Design (Days 5-6)
Core Concepts:
- Water cycle and watershed thinking
- Rainwater harvesting techniques
- Greywater and blackwater systems
- Irrigation design principles
- Constructed wetlands and natural pools
- Drought-proofing strategies
Activities:
- Design and build swales and berms
- Construct simple rainwater catchment system
- Greywater system installation
- Pond and wetland design workshop
- Irrigation system planning
Regenerative Integration:
- Water as a tool for carbon sequestration
- Managed grazing and water systems
- Riparian buffer design
Module 4: Soil Building & Carbon Sequestration (Day 7)
Core Concepts:
- Soil biology and the soil food web
- Composting systems and vermiculture
- Cover cropping and green manures
- No-till and minimal disturbance methods
- Carbon farming techniques
- Mycorrhizal relationships
Activities:
- Compost system construction
- Worm bin setup and management
- Soil biology microscopy session
- Cover crop seeding workshop
- Biochar production demonstration
Regenerative Focus:
- Soil organic matter building
- Carbon measurement techniques
- Holistic planned grazing integration
Module 5: Plant Systems & Food Forests (Days 8-9)
Core Concepts:
- Plant guilds and polycultures
- Succession and forest gardening
- Tree crop selection and management
- Understory design and management
- Perennial grain and staple crops
- Medicinal plant integration
Activities:
- Food forest design and installation
- Guild planting workshop
- Fruit tree grafting session
- Herb spiral construction
- Seed saving techniques
Agroforestry Integration:
- Silvopasture system design
- Alley cropping techniques
- Windbreak and shelterbelt design
- Timber and non-timber forest products
Module 6: Animal Systems & Integrated Management (Day 10)
Core Concepts:
- Animals as landscape designers
- Rotational grazing systems
- Integrated pest management
- Aquaculture and pond systems
- Beneficial insect habitat
- Livestock housing and fencing
Activities:
- Paddock shift and electric fencing workshop
- Chicken tractor design and construction
- Insect hotel building
- Pond stocking and fish care
- Predator-proof housing design
Regenerative Integration:
- Planned grazing for soil health
- Multi-species grazing systems
- Animals in carbon sequestration
Module 7: Appropriate Technology & Energy (Day 11)
Core Concepts:
- Energy descent planning
- Renewable energy systems
- Natural building techniques
- Food preservation and storage
- Waste cycling and zero waste
- Appropriate scale technology
Activities:
- Solar oven construction
- Rocket mass heater demonstration
- Natural building workshop (cob/strawbale)
- Fermentation and preservation workshop
- Waste audit and system design
Module 8: Economics & Social Permaculture (Day 12)
Core Concepts:
- Permaculture economics and enterprises
- Local food systems development
- Community organizing and collaboration
- Land access strategies
- Marketing and value-added products
- Social justice in permaculture
Activities:
- Business plan development workshop
- Community mapping exercise
- Conflict resolution role-play
- Local currency design
- Final design presentations
Central Teachings & Philosophy
The Mollison Foundation
Core Ethics:
- Earth Care – Provision for all life systems to continue and multiply
- People Care – Provision for people to access resources necessary for their existence
- Fair Share – Setting limits to consumption and reproduction, redistributing surplus
Design Principles (Holmgren’s 12):
- Observe and interact
- Catch and store energy
- Obtain a yield
- Apply self-regulation and accept feedback
- Use and value renewable resources and services
- Produce no waste
- Design from patterns to details
- Integrate rather than segregate
- Use small and slow solutions
- Use and value diversity
- Use edges and value the marginal
- Creatively use and respond to change
Chadwick Method Integration
- Biointensive practices: Double-digging, close spacing, composting, companion planting
- French intensive techniques: Raised bed systems, succession planting
- Aesthetic integration: Beauty as a functional element in garden design
- Hand tool mastery: Proper use of garden tools and body mechanics
Regenerative Organic Principles
- Soil health: Building organic matter and biological activity
- Animal welfare: Humane treatment of livestock
- Social fairness: Just treatment of workers and communities
- Carbon sequestration: Farming as climate solution
- Biodiversity: Enhancing ecosystem diversity at all levels
Hands-On Learning Activities
Daily Practice Sessions (30 minutes each morning)
Week 1:
- Mindful observation and journaling
- Weather recording and pattern recognition
- Plant identification walks
- Soil texture testing
Week 2:
- Water flow observation
- Tool maintenance and care
- Seed starting and propagation
- Compost turning and monitoring
Project-Based Learning
Small Group Projects:
- Rainwater Harvesting System: Design and install 1000-gallon catchment
- Food Forest Guild: Plant and establish 3-layer polyculture system
- Composting Operation: Build and manage 3-bin turning system
- Greenhouse/Nursery: Construct propagation facility using recycled materials
Individual Assignments:
- Daily observation journal with weather, phenology, and personal insights
- Plant press creation with 50 local species identified
- Site analysis portfolio with maps, photos, and recommendations
- Final design project presentation
Skills Workshops
Construction Skills:
- Natural building (cob, adobe, strawbale)
- Timber framing basics
- Fencing and gate installation
- Basic plumbing for irrigation
Biological Skills:
- Soil biology microscopy
- Plant propagation techniques
- Grafting and budding
- Bee keeping basics
Design Skills:
- Hand drawing and sketching
- Computer mapping (GIS introduction)
- Scale model building
- Flow diagram creation
Assessment Methods
Practical Assessments (60%)
- Site analysis accuracy and completeness
- Construction project quality and safety
- Plant identification proficiency
- Problem-solving in real situations
Design Project (30%)
- Comprehensive site design addressing client needs
- Integration of course principles and techniques
- Presentation quality and communication
- Feasibility and implementation planning
Participation & Reflection (10%)
- Daily journal quality and consistency
- Contribution to group activities
- Peer teaching and collaboration
- Self-assessment and reflection essays
Resource Library
Essential Texts
Foundational Permaculture:
- “Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability” – David Holmgren
- “Introduction to Permaculture” – Bill Mollison
- “The Permaculture Handbook” – Peter Bane
- “Earth User’s Guide to Permaculture” – Rosemary Morrow
Regenerative Agriculture:
- “Dirt to Soil” – Gabe Brown
- “The Soil Will Save Us” – Kristin Ohlson
- “Sacred Cow” – Diana Rodgers and Robb Wolf
- “Cows Save the Planet” – Judith Schwartz
Agroforestry:
- “Farming with Trees” – Nicholas Staddon
- “Silvopasture” – Steve Gabriel
- “Trees of Power” – Akiva Silver
- “Forest Gardening” – Robert Hart
Chadwick Method:
- “The Soul of Soil” – Grace Gershuny and Joe Smillie
- “How to Grow More Vegetables” – John Jeavons
- “The Biointensive Method” – John Jeavons
Digital Resources
Websites:
- Permaculture Research Institute (permaculturenews.org)
- Regenerative Agriculture Initiative (regenerativeagricultureinitiative.com)
- SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education)
- Savory Institute (savory.global)
Video Libraries:
- “Permaculture Voices” podcast series
- “Living Web Farms” YouTube channel
- “Gabe Brown” speaking engagements
- “Alan Savory” TED talks and lectures
Online Courses:
- Oregon State University Permaculture Design Course
- Rodale Institute Regenerative Agriculture courses
- Savory Institute Holistic Management courses
Practical Resources
Tools and Equipment:
- Basic hand tools (spades, forks, hoes, pruners)
- Measuring tools (A-frame level, transit, measuring tapes)
- Soil testing kits (pH, NPK, organic matter)
- Propagation supplies (seeds, pots, rooting hormone)
Seeds and Plants:
- Regional native plant sources
- Heirloom vegetable varieties
- Tree and shrub nurseries
- Medicinal plant suppliers
Instructor’s Teaching Guide
Preparation Phase (2-3 months before course)
Site Preparation:
- Establish demonstration areas for each major system
- Prepare tool inventory and safety equipment
- Set up classroom space with proper seating and presentation equipment
- Create weather backup plans for all outdoor activities
Material Preparation:
- Print and bind all handouts and worksheets
- Prepare plant identification guides for local flora
- Create laminated reference cards for principles and techniques
- Set up digital presentation materials and backup systems
Guest Instructor Coordination:
- Schedule specialists for specific topics (soil biology, beekeeping, natural building)
- Confirm availability and coordinate lesson plans
- Arrange for local farmers and practitioners to share experiences
Daily Teaching Structure
Morning Routine (30 minutes):
- Weather observation and recording
- Brief check-in and intention setting
- Physical warm-up or stretching
- Review of previous day’s learning
Core Lesson Block (2-3 hours):
- Theory presentation (45 minutes maximum)
- Q&A and discussion (15 minutes)
- Hands-on activity or demonstration (60-90 minutes)
- Reflection and integration (15 minutes)
Afternoon Practice (2-3 hours):
- Project work in small groups
- Site-based learning activities
- Skills workshops and practice
- Individual consultation time
Evening Integration (1 hour):
- Group reflection and sharing
- Journal writing time
- Preparation for next day
- Social time and community building
Teaching Methodologies
Experiential Learning:
- Learn by doing rather than just listening
- Immediate application of concepts
- Learning from mistakes and problem-solving
- Real-world project implementation
Collaborative Learning:
- Peer teaching and knowledge sharing
- Group problem-solving activities
- Community-based project work
- Diverse perspectives and experiences
Place-Based Education:
- Learning directly from the land
- Local ecology and climate focus
- Indigenous knowledge integration
- Bioregional awareness development
Multiple Intelligence Approaches:
- Visual: Maps, diagrams, observation exercises
- Kinesthetic: Building, planting, tool use
- Auditory: Discussions, presentations, storytelling
- Logical: Design process, calculations, analysis
Assessment Strategies
Formative Assessment:
- Daily check-ins and quick polls
- Peer feedback on activities
- Instructor observation during hands-on work
- Self-assessment reflections
Authentic Assessment:
- Real design projects for actual clients
- Problem-solving in authentic contexts
- Portfolio development over time
- Peer review and critique sessions
Differentiated Assessment:
- Multiple ways to demonstrate learning
- Accommodation for different learning styles
- Flexible deadlines with clear expectations
- Choice in final project focus areas
Creating Inclusive Learning Environment
Accessibility Considerations:
- Physical accessibility for all activities
- Multiple ways to participate in lessons
- Clear communication and instruction methods
- Support for different learning needs
Cultural Sensitivity:
- Acknowledgment of indigenous land and knowledge
- Diverse perspectives in readings and examples
- Inclusive language and examples
- Respect for different cultural approaches to land use
Economic Accessibility:
- Sliding scale tuition options
- Work-trade opportunities
- Scholarship programs
- Shared resource systems
Safety Protocols
Tool Safety:
- Proper tool use instruction and demonstration
- Safety equipment availability and use
- First aid training for instructors
- Clear safety rules and enforcement
Physical Safety:
- Site hazard assessment and mitigation
- Weather-appropriate clothing recommendations
- Hydration and rest break scheduling
- Emergency procedures and contacts
Emotional Safety:
- Respectful communication guidelines
- Conflict resolution procedures
- Support for challenging topics
- Inclusive and welcoming atmosphere
Continuing Education for Instructors
Professional Development:
- Annual permaculture teacher gatherings
- Advanced certification programs
- Regenerative agriculture conferences
- Peer observation and feedback
Knowledge Updates:
- Current research in permaculture and regenerative agriculture
- Climate change adaptation strategies
- New technologies and techniques
- Social and economic developments
Network Building:
- Connections with other PDC instructors
- Relationships with local farmers and practitioners
- Partnership with educational institutions
- Professional organization membership
Post-Course Support and Community
Graduate Network
- Alumni directory and communication platform
- Regional meetups and skill shares
- Peer mentoring programs
- Advanced course opportunities
Implementation Support
- Design consultation services
- Troubleshooting and problem-solving support
- Resource sharing and equipment lending
- Funding and grant writing assistance
Ongoing Education
- Advanced topic workshops
- Seasonal skill shares
- Annual reunion and refresher sessions
- Online learning community platform
Course Evaluation and Improvement
Student Feedback Collection
- Daily feedback forms
- Mid-course evaluation and adjustment
- Comprehensive end-of-course evaluation
- Follow-up surveys at 6 months and 1 year
Instructor Self-Assessment
- Daily teaching reflection and notes
- Video recording of key lessons for review
- Peer instructor observation and feedback
- Professional development planning
Curriculum Evolution
- Annual curriculum review and updates
- Integration of new research and techniques
- Adaptation to local conditions and needs
- Incorporation of student and graduate suggestions
This comprehensive PDC curriculum integrates the wisdom of permaculture founders with cutting-edge regenerative practices, creating a transformative educational experience that prepares students to design and implement sustainable systems in their communities and bioregions.
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