Biodynamic SPIN® Farming Training Center

It is the Vision of Abundant Life Farm to open and operate Biodynamic Spin® Farming and Gardening Centers in the New York Tri State Area. If you are interested in opening a Spin® Farming and or Gardening Training Center where you live just read on.................

SPIN-Farming Training Center

 What’s Your Vision? 

So you want to start a SPIN-Farming Training Center.

You are not alone. Since its launch in 2006, SPIN-Farming has been championed by people who understand that to create a world that feeds itself less destructively and more healthfully, a significant number of us are going to have to get beyond discussion and debate and start growing.

Each of these SPIN-Farming champions is one of a kind, but all of a type. Across several countries, at sustainability forums, eco-expos and green gabfests, they are helping others think things through again and make certain re-appropriations. There is now hundreds of practicing SPIN farmers around the world, but if we are going to rebuild a sustainable and more locally- oriented food system, we’re going to need more – lots more. Though challenged in recent years, farming persists as an ideal. If we re-formulate it, position, package and promote it differently, farming can capture the spirit of our times and become, once again, second nature to many. And that’s where a SPIN-Farming Training Center comes in.

What does a SPIN-Farming Training Center look like and how is it operated? Following the classic SPIN-style approach, we leave that up to you! From the beginning, SPIN-Farming has been a production system, not a belief system. It can be - and frequently is - combined with biodynamics, biointensive, permaculture, vermaculture, acquaculture, building-integrated agriculture. Each SPIN farmer implements the system differently because each has their own unique soils, skies and markets. Farming needs to fit the nature of the place.

And so, too, with SPIN-Farming Training Centers. Some are run by farmers to augment their incomes; some are used by for-profit business serving the LOHAS market to expand and diversify; some are add-ons to non-profit or community organizations looking to become more self reliant; still others are government-sponsored or institutionally-based. Wherever you are starting from, we support your vision, we do not impose ours. Here is what we, as “SPIN Central”, can do, at no charge, to help you determine if a SPIN-Farming Training Center should be in your future…..

SPIN-Farming Training Center: The First Steps

Assess Your Vision

Tell us your vision. Based on our knowledge of existing SPIN-related initiatives and past successes, we’ll offer you feedback on both what is possible and what is practical.

Assess Your Resources

Tell us what you have to work with. Based on our knowledge of various kinds of SPIN farm operations, we’ll let you know if we think you have all the bases covered, or identify what else you will need.

Assess Your Plan

Tell us how you are going to make it happen. Based on our experience with launching new ventures, we’ll review your initial plan and offer feedback on its strengths and weaknesses.

SPIN-Farming Training Center: Getting Started

Once we’re all agreed that you are ready to move beyond the talking and planning stage and can start implementing, the SPIN-Farming Training Center model makes it easy. Operated much like a franchise, a SPIN- Farming Training Center has 3 basic components. The ones that you provide

• a permanent demonstration SPIN farm site created by you and which is dedicated to the research and demonstration of SPIN-Farming techniques

• A trainer that can be certified in SPIN-Farming

The one that SPIN Central provides is:

• a curriculum designed by Wally Satzewich, the developer of the SPIN-Farming system, and Roxanne Christensen, Co-author of the SPIN-Farming online learning series

The official training program spans 4 weeks and covers the basics of SPIN- Farming’s commercial sub-acre farming system, including planning, revenue projection, market research, sub-acre farm design, assembling a land base, investments, infrastructure, workflow management, crop strategies, harvesting and post-harvesting protocols, and marketing. Classwork is based on SPIN-Farming guides 1-7 and homework exercises, with the bulk of the training being hands-on instruction at the demonstration farm site. You are encouraged to compliment the SPIN-Farming training with any other additional training programs that convey your vision.

SPIN-Farming Training Center Start-up Package

Once you are designated as an official SPIN-Farming Training Center operator, here is what SPIN Central provides to you to help you make it

--Training and certification of the SPIN trainer

--Training curriculum

--Curriculum material license granting use of SPIN guides 1-7 as the training textbook

-- Homework Exercises

--Official “Certificate of Completion” template for you to award to all program participants

--Collateral program marketing materials including a flyer and ads in pdf format

--Permission to use the SPIN-Farming mark in relation to training and marketing materials

--Listing as an official Training Center on the SPIN-Farming website

--Ongoing email support from Wally Satzewich and Roxanne Christensen

relating to any SPIN-Farming questions or operational issues

Terms of the SPIN-Farming Training Center Startup Package

Territory Exclusive

We’ve got you covered! In recognition of the effort you will be investing to make your SPIN-Farming Training Center a success, we will honor a territory exclusive to ensure maximum business and cachet for you. This will be defined based on your individual location and situation.

Minimum Number of Trainings Per Year

The world can’t have too many farmers! So you need to do your part by offering a minimum of 4 training programs, lasting a minimum of 4 weeks each per year.

Three Year Commitment

We’re with you for the long haul! In recognition of SPIN Central’s investment in you, we require you to commit to providing SPIN-Farming training for a minimum of 3 years. And, as you know SPIN farmers are always looking ahead, so…

Looking Ahead

As usually happens with SPIN, those who embrace it discover talents they did not know they had. So what may very well happen is that, once we’re really rolling you’ll discover you’re a great teacher, or a great manager, and you’ll want to upgrade to become a regional training site to produce additional business beyond your immediate geographical area, as well as offering SPIN advanced courses. How about an events organizer? If you find you’re also a good host, maybe an annual “SPIN-in” festival is in your future. We’re open to supporting whatever inspirations come your way.

So Are You S-mall P-lot IN-spired?

If you would like a training center application, contact Roxanne Christensen, Co-author, SPIN-Farming® at rchristensen@infocommercegroup.com

SPIN MAKES AGRICULTURE ACCESSIBLE TO ANYONE ANYWHERE!

 www.spinfarming.com