Organic Agriculture in the Andes

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Tabacundo

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Ongoing

Description: This is an educational program, designed to give volunteers a detailed insight into up-to-date organic agriculture techniques. The program is based at our tranquil 20 hectare hacienda, in the middle of the Northern Andes, and encompasses details of:

1) large scale (1ha) farming techniques using cyclical crop rotation planning, green fertilizers and a variety of irrigation systems:
2) smaller scale intensive farming of fruit and vegetables. You will learn how to make BIOL's, why, how and when to use them, pest control, composting, plant development, and of course soil management:
3) tree nursery management, from the seed to the transplanting of saplings, and details of our extensive reforestation programs:
4) touch upon animal husbandry with our growing dairy herd, guinea pig and pig rearing.

The program is educational, though never classroom based, and entirely informal. We will teach using detailed explanations of the jobs being undertaken, as practice is a proven method of learning. The program will be taught in a mixture of Spanish or English according to the individuals requirements.

During this program, which can be from a week to months, we also offer the opportunity to study Spanish in the afternoons with qualified, highly recommended teachers.

Please note we offer a full weeks (7days) accommodation for the fee, and access to our vegetable garden, though the program runs from Monday morning to Friday afternoon only.

Highlights:
- An intensive put relaxed introduction to organic farming
- The opportunity to learn Spanish in a peaceful environment
- Eat freshly harvested organic fruit and vegetables - delicious!

Qualifications: We welcome absolute beginners and those with farming experience, organic or otherwise, with whom we hope to exchange skills and knowledge.

Cost in US$: from $70 a week

The second has a cost of $110 a week and includes all your meals, Monday to Saturday morning, eating with one of the workers' families; this option gives a greater insight into Ecuadorian homelife. Please note, at week-ends you are requested to fend for yourselves, as we all need to rest.

Another option is for a month self catering at $250, or 2 months self catering for $440, during which volunteers will learn to greater depth our agricultural processes.

We use the fee to cover the cost of administering the program, a part towards the wages of those that will work with you, and the remainder (as a non profit NGO) we use to maintain the organization, it's facilities and rural development activities.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: We look for enthusiastic and energetic people for this program. The work can be physically demanding in places, and we take individuals physical health into consideration, but for the most part it is a relaxing experience in the glorious sunny aspect of the Andes.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of from 2-5

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Year Founded: 1953