Certified Specialist Programme in Food Forest Design
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today we have a special guest who is an expert in permaculture and sustainable food production. Can you tell us a bit about the Certified Specialist Programme in Food Forest Design? GUEST: Absolutely, this program is designed to teach permaculture principles and sustainable food production techniques. It covers topics like guild planting, water harvesting, and soil management. HOST: That sounds fascinating. What inspired you to create this course, and how has your personal experience shaped its content? GUEST: I've been working in permaculture for over a decade, and I noticed a lack of comprehensive training for those interested in food forest design. I wanted to create a course that would provide practical skills and industry recognition for aspiring permaculture designers, farmers, and landscape architects. HOST: Speaking of industry trends, what current developments are most relevant to this course and the field of permaculture? GUEST: There's a growing interest in regenerative agriculture and food systems, which aligns perfectly with the principles taught in our course. Additionally, urban farming and community gardens are becoming more popular, creating a need for skilled permaculture designers. HOST: That's great to hear. But as with any field, there must be challenges. What are some obstacles you've faced or seen in the realm of food forest design? GUEST: One challenge is helping students understand that permaculture is more than just a collection of techniques; it's a holistic design approach. Another challenge is addressing the misconception that permaculture is only for rural or large-scale applications. We emphasize that these principles can be applied in urban settings and on any scale. HOST: You've mentioned the future of permaculture and food forests. How do you see this area evolving, and what role does this course play in that future? GUEST: I believe that permaculture and food forests will become increasingly important in addressing climate change, food security, and biodiversity loss. Our course prepares students to be at the forefront of this movement, transforming their passion for sustainability into a rewarding career. HOST: Thank you for sharing your insights with us today. I'm sure our listeners have gained a deeper understanding of the Certified Specialist Programme in Food Forest Design and its significance in the world of permaculture. GUEST: Thank you for having me. I invite anyone interested in creating diverse, resilient, and productive food forests to enroll in our course and start making a difference in their communities.