Project Dates: 01.02.2025 to 01.02.26

A beacon centre of regenerative excellence that is training the next generation of regenerative farmers,to increase regenerative farming practices in Devon and beyond!

Regenerative Agriculture brings many benefits to farmers, their communities, and their local environment. As the cost of fossil fuels and fertilisers skyrocket, and the challenges of droughts and flash-flooding become regular occurrences, regenerative practices provide farmers with effective tools to adapt and thrive.

DEF has supported this project right from the start: funding the feasibility study, the certification of the qualification, the start-up costs, and contributing towards the first three years of training.

Now running fully fledged regenerative agriculture courses (Levels 2-4), this 2025 grant will allow for the continued running and developmemt of the Apricot Centre’s renowned Regenerative School of Land Based Studies.

Their courses offer a hands-on, practical approach to learning regenerative farming techniques, combining work-based learning on real farms with skills development in agroecology, farm design, consultancy, and training – empowering students to transition from conventional farming to sustainable, agroecological practices.

By providing this valuable training free of charge and on a part-time basis, the Apricot Centre ensures accessibility for individuals with work, family, or financial commitments who might not otherwise be able to pursue such opportunities – addressing the urgent need for skilled regenerative agriculture practitioners to support a shift toward sustainable food production and land use.

The Apricot Centre aims to raise the profile of farming as a highly-skilled, respected profession, particularly by offering accredited training that builds expertise and professionalism within the sector.

This grant is generously funded by NoVo Foundation. We are grateful that the Apricot Centre chose DEF as their fiscal sponsor to receive the grant to build on success of our partnership to date and unlock future opportunities for regenerative agriculture in Devon.

IMPACT UPDATE July 2025

Project Impacts:

• Students’ growth in regenerative agriculture skills, knowledge, and real-world application through land-based projects and work experience placements.
• Placement diversity is enabling students to apply their learning across different contexts, deepen their understanding of agroecological systems, and build meaningful connections with practitioners across the sector.
• Students have developed their understanding and implementation of biodiversity and carbon monitoring and holistic ecological stewardship. These skills are proving vital for building both climate and environmental consideration in their understanding of regenerative practices.

 

Project Activities: