Training Overview
Are you passionate about gardening and faith?
In partnership with and hosted by Empower School and Farm (Empower), EFI is offering its International Certificate in Conservation Agriculture (ICCA) Training. We invite you to learn how to garden in a way that mirrors God’s heart.
You will receive the ICCA, which equips Christian leaders worldwide to practice agricultural discipleship that can transform the Church in the Global South, improving its food security and livelihoods.
This course comprises both virtual and in-person training to receive the ICCA.
Location: Umatilla, FL
January 17-19, 2025
Platform: Zoom
Requirements: Computer, comfortable chair, quiet place, strong internet connection, readiness to learn
Schedule:
1/17/25 – 6pm-9pm EST
1/18/25 – 8am-6pm EST
1/19/25 – 2pm-6pm EST
February 20-23, 2025
Hands-On Learning: Prepare top-notch compost, sow enough corn and beans for a family of four, create beautiful and productive vegetable beds
Schedule:
2/20/25 – 2pm-6pm (includes dinner)
2/21/25 – 9am-6pm (includes breakfast, lunch, dinner)
2/22/25 – 9am-6pm (includes breakfast, lunch, dinner)
2/23/25 – 9am-12pm (includes breakfast and a packed lunch)
EFI’s ICCA TraINING
Discover Gardening with the Heart of God
In partnership with and hosted by Empower, EFI is offering its International Certificate in Conservation Agriculture (ICCA) Training. We invite you to learn how to garden in a way that mirrors God’s heart.
We invite everyone who is eager to cultivate their garden with purpose and faith. Our discipleship approach rekindles hope for those who’ve struggled with gardening or wish to deepen their understanding. Our methods are straightforward, cost-effective, natural, chemical-free, and yield abundant harvests year after year. As you practice these techniques, you’ll grow closer to the Master Gardener and His ways.
Highlights
What You’ll Learn
✓ Integrate faith with your gardening practices.
✓ Grow crops without harmful pesticides.
✓ Restore soil’s natural balance and vitality through natural gardening.
✓ Use gardening as a means to build relationships and share your faith.
✓ Train others locally and internationally to combat hunger.
Course Schedule
Virtual – January 17-19, 2025
Platform: Zoom
Requirements: Computer, comfortable chair, quiet place, strong internet connection, readiness to learn
Schedule:
1/17/25 – 6pm-9pm EST
1/18/25 – 8am-6pm EST
1/19/25 – 2pm-6pm EST
In-Person – February 20-23, 2025
Hands-On Learning: Prepare top-notch compost, sow enough corn and beans for a family of four, create beautiful and productive vegetable beds
Schedule:
1/20/25 – 2pm-6pm (includes dinner)
1/21/25 – 9am-6pm (includes breakfast, lunch, dinner)
1/22/25 – 9am-6pm (includes breakfast, lunch, dinner)
1/23/25 – 9am – 12pm (includes breakfast and a packed lunch)
Virtual Training Requirements
• Computer with a strong internet connection
• Comfortable chair and quiet space
• Readiness to learn
In-Person Training Includes
Practical skills such as:
• Compost preparation
• Planting techniques
• Vegetable bed creation
Investment
Pricing
Base Cost: $225, covering:
• In-Person Meals (see schedule)
• Education materials
• A transformative experience
• International Certificate in Conservation Agriculture (ICCA)
Base cost does not include lodging. See under accommodations for total cost including lodging options.
You may pay for your registration here: https://ppay.co/7ArzmJk7fc8 (Please do not pay without registering above.)
Accommodations
Food and Lodging (9 meals, 3 nights) will be provided as part of the registration cost. You will be asked to mark your preferred lodging of choice. Remember that lodging options are limited. We may not be able to accommodate your preferred choice for lodging, but we will do our best. Depending on lodging preferences, Empower can lodge 20-25 registrants. Total registrants will be capped at 25. Registrants will need to notify Empower Staff upon registration of any dietary needs or restrictions.
Main Building Lodging (max occupancy 12-14 persons)
Private room – one person – $525
Private room – double occupancy – $375/person
Shared room – $450
Glamour Tent Lodging (Large, insulated canvas tents on wooden deck floors: includes a shared out house with hot and cold showers, heated, and cooled)
Shared Men’s Glamour tent (max occupancy – 4 persons) – $375
Shared Women’s Glamour tent (max occupancy – 4 persons) – $375
If you do NOT require Lodging, registration for meals and training materials – $225
Transportation
Empower Farms will be scheduling 3 airport pickups from MCO and SFB airports in Orlando on 1/20/25. Registrants will have the option of being dropped off at the airport on 1/23/25. Airport Pickup and Drop off is being offered for a total fee of $75 per registrant, as long as Empower can coordinate several people per shuttle run. Empower will develop the shuttle schedule once Empower has received arrival/departure information. If someone happens to arrive outside of the shuttle schedule, alternate options for airport transport include ride share apps (like Uber) available in our area.
NOTICE: Please keep in mind that registrants must attend all virtual and in person courses in order to be eligible to receive the ICCA. If you must leave before noon on the 23rd of February, you may forfeit your eligibility to receive the certificate. Please schedule your return flights to take into consideration a 12pm departure time, at the earliest, from the farm. Travel time from Umatilla, FL to MCO or SFB is approximately 1hr10min.
