Grants

Landscape Regeneration

Regenerative School 2025

£151,436.88 awarded

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 SUMMARY JANUARY 2025

  • In 2024, 22 students enrolled on the Apricot Centre’s courses, with two leaving, but 40% of the cohort already having secured jobs in the generative sector, and several others are pursuing further studies.
  • DEF support assisted with the securing of funding from philanthropic organisations for both Level 3 and Level 4 courses, ensuring the continuation and growth of these vital programs.
  • The Apricot Centre have had the opportunity to showcase their course offerings at key events such as the Oxford Real Farming Conference and various workshops, further raising the profile of their training.
  • The Apricot Centre are also now offering additional training to students, including a Certificate in Business Planning and Regenerative Design, further broadening the skills and opportunities available to them.
  • The Apricot Centre is working with the government on a white paper for education and curriculum to include farming, sustainability and food.
  • They are also continuing to work with other institutions across the UK to implement courses similar to the Apricot Centre.