Phytofarm  has been developed over the last ten years by herbalist and naturopath Valmai Becker as a repository of plants and learning centre. The gardens, manufacturing and drying sheds have been purpose built to provide a practical learning experience in herbal medicine. The four seasons are celebrated with the students from discovering culinary herbal delights of the spring garden, to exploring the abundance of the summer garden and blending quality products from the drying room during the autumn and winter seasons.

Hands-on learning

The apprenticeship is open to anyone who has an interest and passion for learning about medicinal plants. This is a practical learning experience and will include out door activities in the garden and time managing plant material in the drying room. There will be 4 days for each season, 6 hours each day, 24 hours for each season 24 x 4 = 96 total course attendance hours. 10 hours of plant profile home study to be completed after each season, total course hours 136. On successful completion of the apprenticeship the participants will be awarded a Phytofarm Certificate in Herbal Apprenticeship.

Tutor

To be announced by June 30th 2025.

Contact Valmai on info@phytofarm.co.nz to express interest.

Apprenticeship 2025/26 starting November 2025: 

Spring: Fri 14th November – Mon 17th November 2025

Further dates to be announced.

Apprenticeship  

Attendance: 4 Weekends, 1 each season – Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday

Hour: 10am – 4pm
Total Attendance Hours: 96

Home Work Hours each season: 40
Total Hours: 136

Feedback from students

”With an interest in herbs and herbal medicine a year on your Apprenticeship Programme turned that into a passion and possibly even taking me in a new direction in life!“  HELEN DODSON

”Loved the hands-on learning in a small group.“  KIMBERLEY EDDY

”Enjoyed realizing the amazing value of the plants we have around us.“  MARTINA MURRAY

Download the Apprenticeship Prospectus 2025/26 here.
Download the Apprenticeship Application 2025/26 here.