*You’ll need to complete the Foundation Courses before you can start the Grower Training Program.
Putting the Theory Into Practice
and Making a Change in the World
Three Steps to Rapid Soil Regeneration
Make your own
BioComplete™ Amendments
In Stages 1 & 2 of the GTP you’ll make your own BioCompleteTM Compost and Liquid Amendments. And you’ll Master the Microscope, so you can quality assure your products before you apply them to the soil.
Boost the Biology
in your Soil
In Stage 3 of the GTP you’ll replenish the microbes in your soil using the amendments you’ve produced. And you’ll adopt regenerative practices to ensure that the soil ecosystem is well protected and nourished.
Reap the
Rewards
You can expect to see measurable results in the first growing season. You’ll monitor the biome using your microscope, and you’ll see improvements in: yields, root-depth, BRIX, water-holding capacity, infiltration, compaction and more.
As a GTP student you can join the CTP Forum, which is accessible only to CTP
& GTP students and to graduates of the school.
In the CTP Forum you will be able to ask questions and get support from other
students, Certified Soil Food Web Consultants and from Dr. Elaine Ingham and
the school’s faculty.
Members of the forum occasionally organize group webinars where they
discuss complex topics with Dr. Ingham. You’ll get access to all previously
recorded webinars.
GTP – Stage One
The BioComplete™ Compost Practicum
In Stage 1 you’ll be supported by your mentor as you develop your microscopy and compost making skills to the required standard. You’ll have several 1-on1 sessions with your mentor to work on your microscopy technique and you’ll be required to complete the Microscopy Proficiency Assessment.
GTP – Stage Two
The BioComplete™ Liquids Practicum
In Stage 2 you’ll work on producing BioComplete™ Compost Extracts, that can be used as a soil drench, to deliver microbes deep into the soil profile, and BioComplete™ Compost Teas, that can be used to coat the above ground portion of the plant with beneficial microorganisms.
GTP – Stage Three
Implementation
In the final project you will regenerate the soil on a test plot, adjacent to a control plot, so you can compare the results. You will begin by producing a site assessment and subsequently a biological plan. You will then treat the soil with the BioComplete™ amendments which you made in Stages 1 & 2. You’ll monitor the soil biology and other metrics through the growing season, submitting samples to your mentor for verification at key stages. Upon successful completion of Stage 3, you will be awarded a completion certificate.
What Will It Cost ?
There are two payment options for the GTP: Full Access or the Payment Plan, which consists of 3 stages. Click on the button below for more information.
Stage One
BioComplete™ Compost Practicum – Make your inoculum
$1540
Stage Two
BioComplete™ Liquids Practicum – Convert from solid to liquid
$500
Stage Three
The GPT Implementation – Regenerate your soil
$1260
Full Access
Commit to all three stages at once and save $300
$3000
Dr. Elaine’s™ Grower Training Program
What's Included:
- A 30-day no questions asked money-back guarantee
- One-to-one Microscopy Training with your mentor
- Advanced Classes Exclusive to the GTP
- Access to the exclusive CTP Forum, Webinars & Community
- Mentoring from a member of Dr. Ingham’s Deep Knowledge Team—56 hours included, but more time is available if required (additional costs apply).
- A certificate of completion
Entry Requirements:
- Students with an average score of at least 90% in the Foundation Courses automatically qualify for entry to the Growers Training Program.
- You do not need a background in biology or science to enter this program.
- You will need to purchase several pieces of equipment in order to complete each stage. The precise budget will depend on the size of your operation. Your mentor will be able to advise you on equipment selection. The minimum requirements are likely to cost around $1,000-$1,200.
FAQs
How long will it take to complete Stage 1 of the GTP?
Students typically need to make at least 6 compost piles before they can achieve the required standards for passing the compost practicum. If you have the resources, you can make multiple piles, with varying recipes, simultaneously, to save time. Each pile will require up to 28 days to complete, once built. A reasonable time-frame for the compost practicum is 3-12 months. Some students may take longer.
How long will it take to complete all 3 stages of the GTP?
The amount of time required depends on your other commitments. Students are expected to complete the GTP within 2 years. The maximum allowable time for completion is 3 years after which your enrollment will expire. This policy is designed to help students to remain focused and motivated. You can of course apply for an extension if there are extenuating circumstances. Below is a breakdown of the time needed to complete each stage of the GTP:
GTP Stage 1 – The BioComplete™ Compost Practicum
Students typically need to make at least 6 compost piles before they can achieve the required standards for passing the compost practicum. If you have the resources, you can make multiple piles, with varying recipes, simultaneously, to save time. Each pile will require up to 28 days to complete, once built. A reasonable time-frame for the compost practicum is 3-12 months. Some students may take longer.
GTP Stage 2 – The BioComplete™ Liquid Practicum
Students can expect to complete Stage 2 within 3 months, or less if they are well prepared and focused.
GTP Stage 3 – Implementation
The duration of the Final Project should be around one growing season +/-1 month. You should allow some time prior to the growing season for preparation; several hours per month, during the growing season, for data collection; and several days of work at the end of the growing season for data analysis and the write-up of your project.
Do I need any qualifications to join the Grower Training Program?
The courses are designed for people who are either Farmers, Ranchers or Growers. While you don’t need a background in science or any other qualifications, you will need access to some land and other resources. If you are considering taking this course before you purchase land, that’s ok, so long as you have some space and resources to make your compost (and to practice microscopy) in Stage 1, and to make your liquid amendments in Stage 2. You will need the land by the time you reach Stage 3 for implementation.
Will I need to buy any equipment to complete the GTP?
You will need to purchase several pieces of equipment in order to complete each stage. The precise budget will depend on the size of your operation. Your mentor will be able to advise you on equipment selection. The minimum requirements are likely to cost at least $1,000. You may be able to repurpose some of your existing equipment e.g. spraying rigs for the application of liquid biological inoculate.
Can I complete the practical training at the Soil Food Web School?
This is not currently possible, but we are hoping to put on a number of in-person intensive workshops in 2022.
Is the Certified Lab-Tech Program included in the Grower Training Program?
Yes it is. GTP students are required to complete the CLP in Stage 1 of the GTP. Click here for more info.
Can I get certified as a Consultant if I am in the Grower Training Program (GTP)?
The GTP is intended for farmers, growers and ranchers who do not wish to become certified consultants but if you change your mind during your program (before you enter Stage 3), you can transfer from the GTP to the CTP and complete Stage 3 of the Consultant Training Program. This will enable you to be certified as a Soil Food Web Consultant.
Can I use the trademarked term BioComplete™?
The term BioComplete™ is used to refer to compost and liquid amendments that meet the minimum biological requirements defined by Dr Elaine Ingham as being required in order for the amendment to be effective in restoring the soil biome, when correctly applied. You will be trained how to make these amendments in the GTP. Once you have successfully completed the GTP, you can apply to the Soil Food Web School for a license to use the term in association with your products, but the term can only be used by individuals and corporations that have a license agreement in place. Licensees will be required to meet stringent quality assurance requirements.