Syntropic Farming Workshop
17 - 22 November 26
Foundational Syntropic Farming Workshop
17 - 22 Nov 26
Collaboration with TERRA Network
Felipe Amato & La Loma Viva team
5 Day residential - taught in English - Gualchos, Granada, Spain
More than an introductory workshop, this immersive foundation in Syntropic Farming will teach you how to observe the patterns of living systems and work with natural processes to create productive, resilient and regenerative agroforestry projects. you will learn from experienced syntropic practitioners. and pioneers in the field.
This workshop is also the first required step to a pathway of deeper learning and practice with the TERRA Network - offering internships, consultancy and mentorship in syntropic farming - see our website for more details
Through a combination of theory, observation and hands-on fieldwork, you will learn to read the processes shaping a landscape and apply them to the design and management of productive, regenerative agroforestry systems.
What you will learn
Foundations of Syntropic Farming
Explore the philosophy and principles developed by Ernst Götsch and discover how natural processes can create regenerative farming systems.
Succession, stratification and species selection
Understand ecological processes and how to use them to produce food and other valuable crops, while supporting regeneration.
Learn about natural succession, vegetative layers, light requirements and how to combine different species of plants, according to their functions in the ecosystem.
Reading and designing with the landscape
Learn to observe and work with the specific conditions of a place—including soil, water, topography, climate and local plant communities—to create resilient systems that are adapted to their environment.
Working with context
Examine how Syntropic Farming can be applied in Mediterranean, semi-arid and other climatic contexts, creating resilient and economically viable farming systems that respond to today’s ecological and social challenges.
Practical experience
Develop the hands-on skills to implement a design. During the workshop, we will begin a new syntropic agroforestry area and teach you all the steps to establish a new system from the ground up.
Learn at an established syntropic site
Experience Syntropic Farming as a living practice, immersed in our established systems. Learn from our lived journey of working with this method for over ten years and be guided by an experienced team of pioneering practitioners who offer an ongoing pathway of learning and mentorship with the TERRA Network.
Meet your facilitators
Felipe Amato will lead the course. A forest farmer with a productive agroforestry project in Brazil, Felipe was an early student of Ernst Götsch and brings extensive practical experience of Syntropic Farming across a wide range of climates. He has taught throughout Europe for more than ten years and is also a highly regarded consultant. Warm, open and charismatic, Felipe has a gift for making complex ideas accessible through his practical and engaging teaching style.
Felipe will be joined by Karen and Ryan from the La Loma Viva team, who will facilitate classes and hands-on fieldwork. As pioneering practitioners of Syntropic Farming in the Mediterranean, they bring ten years of lived experience—sharing not only what has worked, but also the challenges, adaptations and discoveries that have shaped their journey.
These three work together as founders of the TERRA Network and as a team, offer a rich combination of international knowledge, local experience and friendly, hands-on guidance.
The Workshop Experience at La Loma Viva
Travel and practical information
Find directions, travel advice and other useful information on our Visitor Information page.
We are located near the village of Gualchos, on the coast of Granada. The closest airports are Malaga and Granada, with easy buses to Motril, where we can collect you.
What´s included in your stay
Comfortable Accommodation
Stay on-site and enjoy the beautiful views, natural surroundings and relaxed atmosphere of La Loma Viva.
Rest in a comfortable bed at our retreat centre after each day of learning and practical work.
Fully Catered Organic Meals
Our chefs create delicious and nourishing meals every day, with many products grown syntropically on our land. We offer vegetarian, omnivore and vegan options, creating a connection between the health of people and planet.
Personal Guidance
With no more than 16 participants, there is space for individual attention and practical support. Our workshops are about more than just learning; they’re about experiencing a transformative way of life and building relationships with like-minded people.
Course Fees & Booking
Your booking includes:
Five-day Syntropic Farming Foundation Course: €600
Accommodation : Five nights at our retreat centre in a shared double room (40€ per night) - €200
Full catering service : Three organic meals each day, plus snacks and refreshments, for five nights: (35€ per day) - 175€
The complete five-day/ nights, all inclusive experience — €975,00
Stay an extra night (22nd Nov) + dinner and breakfast included - 50€
We can provide transport from our nearest town and bus station
Reserve your place
You can register and pay securely online. At checkout you will be given the option to pay a deposit and then pay the remaining balance over the following 2 months.
Community discount:
Granada residents and former La Loma Viva students receive a 10% discount on the €600 course fee.
Please email us before booking so that we can arrange your discount.
What your contribution makes possible
La Loma Viva is a non-profit foundation. Your course fee covers the direct costs of delivering a small residential workshop in a remote rural setting—including teaching, fair wages for our staff, professional catering service and ingredients from local organic producers.
The course itself does not generate income for the foundation. Our only contribution comes from the accommodation portion of your booking, and these proceeds support La Loma Viva’s wider regenerative farming and educational work. We also offer sponsored places to students who might otherwise be unable to participate due to financial barriers.
La Loma and TERRA Network are actively involved in the ongoing research, development and practical application of syntropic farming - to create more resilient ways of growing food. By joining one of our workshops, you are helping to sustain this work and the people committed to it.
If you have any questions about the course, accommodation or payment options, please get in touch via email. We wll be happy to help in any way to facilitate your attendance and we look forward to welcoming you to La Loma Viva.
