Ridge to Reef: St. Croix

  US Virgin Islands

St. Croix

Term: Throughout the year, Winter 
Durations of Program: 9-12 weeks and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Jan 15 - Mar 13, 2009

Description: This unique 2-month residential training program is for aspiring or experienced farmers and those interested in sustainable systems that want to develop a practical skill set for creating productive agricultural systems while protecting the health of downstream ecosystems. Each resident in this small class will learn tested, profitable whole systems organic farming strategies that benefit connected communities of people, plants, animals, and water life. Through hands-on farm projects and interpretive tours around the island, resident farmers will study agricultural methods of varying levels of sustainability, from watershed ridges to the famous Caribbean reefs. This program will be a *first-step* requirement for those qualified applicants who wish to continue with a one-year apprenticeship position in 2009.

What is Beneficial Farming? Beneficial Farming is the VISFI brand of an integrated agricultural skill package that fuses elements of organic agriculture, agroecology, Permaculture, silvipasture, business, and natural resource conservation. It's beneficial because it strives to heighten biodiversity in ways that strengthen community health, increase the stock of natural capital, and produce economically viable goods and services. It also just happens to make food taste better. Beneficial farming does not settle for a zero balance. It does more than just make it. It makes it better.

Highlights: Program Components:
* Training in sustainable systems (alternative energy, composting, construction, waste management, and more)
* Participate in university research in organic cropping
* Annual and Perennial Crop Production
* Agrotourism Operations
* Whole Systems Agriculture Perspectives
* Integrated Pest Management
* Permaculture Design
* Silviculture Management
* Nature Awareness Techniques
* Agricultural Economics
* Community Farmers Market Participation
* Caribbean Ag-Fair Role
* Book/Movie Study Club

Application Deadline:
November 3rd, 2008

Cost in US$: $3500

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to US Virgin Islands Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 2-8

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

EcoAbroad.com: Ecotourism & Conservation Odesseys's Mission Statement: A collaboration of unique, exciting, academic, educational travel programs with an adventurous edge. These programs are experimental and most are travel intensive. Each allows you to be immersed into the local culture, experience the wild and natural surroundings, learn environmental philosophy and practices, and earn college credit. It is our goal to create a global knowledge regarding culture, community, conservation, and stewardship for our future leaders and scholars. We are committed to the principles of sustainable tourism. This includes education about the importance of our protected areas and wild lands, while also embracing the local community and culture of these areas.

Year Founded: 2001