Worshop: the basics of sxntropic agroforestry
This workshop will focus on the principles and practical applications of syntropic agroforestry.
Date
10- 12 October 2025
Location
Trainers
Workshop Contents
Syntropic agroforestry and regenerative agriculture are fundamental tools in the fight against the crises of our time. Developed by Swiss farmer and scientist Ernst Götsch, it is based on the principles of natural succession and a deep understanding of resilient ecosystems. It is one of the most complex human-made ecosystems that builds soil fertility and aims to function as independently as possible from external resources. This practice impressively demonstrates how food production, carbon sequestration, nature and climate protection, and a massive increase in biodiversity can be integrated on the same piece of land.
However, building and managing such systems requires a lot of experience and understanding, and it has been little tested in our climate zone so far. This is where we come in: In Rehfelde, we are developing an initial system that, with its small but already visible planting, is showing early successes.
Program
Online Introduction
Before the workshop in Rehfelde, we offer an online event to get to know each other and clarify some basic concepts and terms of syntropic agroforestry. Topics include:
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- Introduction and Motivations
- The Principles of Syntropic Agroforestry
- Links and Resources for Further Research
- Q and A
- The date of the online introduction will be announced later.
Three days of hands-on practice on-site
We offer a balanced mix of theory and practice. Topics include, among others:
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- Introduction & Fundamentals of Syntropic Agroforestry (SAF)
- Principles
- Analysis of the land, resources & goals
- Design in 4 Dimensions> Space and Time
- Establishment and maintenance of plant communities in temperate regions (plant knowledge, soil building, management practices)
- Insights into other climate zones (learning from the Global South)
- Space for exchange and networking
Good to know
Catering: Will be organized, 15€ per day per person
Participation fee: 280 to 400 € based on self-assessment, plus 15 € per day for catering. (If you are unable to afford even the 280 €, please contact us.)
Accommodation: Camping on-site is expected to be possible. Alternatively, there are campgrounds or hotels nearby. Daily commuting from Berlin is also an option.
Anfahrt: waldgartenrehfelde.de
Trainers
Kristin Pazina
Kristin has managed the permaculture forest garden at Café Botanico for several years. Currently, she designs and manages the syntropic rows in Rehfelde.
Jens Hauck
Jens is a co-founder of FoodForest.Network and PermaFoodForest, as well as the designer and agroforestry manager of the Ana Fonio project.
Jens and Kristin are experienced trainers and designers with several years of experience in the development and implementation of permaculture and syntropic agroforestry systems. Their expertise spans four climate zones, where they have successfully contributed to numerous projects. Their philosophy combines regenerative agriculture with ecological principles to create resilient, productive systems, vibrant paradises, and wild polycultures, all harmoniously integrated into natural cycles. They are actively involved in the transformation of agriculture and the development of regenerative solutions to address global polycrises through lectures, workshops, and consulting projects.
Both have completed comprehensive training, including with pioneers such as Ernst Götsch, Marc Leiber, Uzzy Arztmann, Noemi Stadler-Kaulich, and Scott Hall. Their work has been enriched by visits to and analyses of numerous food forest and syntropic systems around the world.
Since the last workshop in October 2024, we have been meeting regularly at the forest garden in Rehfelde, learning together with the syntropic system on-site. Action and workdays will also take place in the other sub-projects, such as the market garden, in the spring. We welcome individuals who are interested in a long-term commitment to the project. Experience or interest in permaculture, regenerative agriculture, syntropic agroforestry, vegetable cultivation, or land and forestry management is welcome.
Learning Location
Since 2020, FoodForest.Network, together with many volunteers, has been operating the 3-hectare forest garden pilot in Rehfelde, near Berlin. On this inspiring site, diverse food forest systems, a vegetable garden, and – as a new highlight – a syntropic agroforestry system are being developed. In the long term, the area, designed according to permaculture principles, aims to provide food for around 200 people.
You will get to know the project area, specifically the syntropic system that started in June 2023.
Sign up now!
Our syntropic agroforestry workshops offer a unique opportunity to combine theory and practice while exploring one of the most exciting agricultural concepts of our time. Together, we will lay the foundation for a sustainable and regenerative agriculture.
Melde dich jetzt an und gestalte mit uns die Zukunft regenerativer Landwirtschaft! Bei Fragen melde Dich gerne bei uns!
Impressions
