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

Valmai Becker has had many years of experience in graduating students into the healing profession, gardening projects, and has been successful in the management of four businesses that reflect her enthusiasm and love all things natural.
So if making your own medicine garden, producing a range of medicinal products and creating a small business is something you have a desired to do please contact Valmai on info@phytofarm.co.nz to enrol.

Apprenticeship 2024/25 starting November 2024: 

Spring: Fri 22nd November – Mon 25th November 2024

Summer: Fri 14th February – Mon 17th February 2025

Autumn: Fri 4th April – Mon 7th April 2025

Winter: Fri 13th June – Mon 16th June 2025

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 2024/25 here.
Download the Apprenticeship Application 2024/25 here.

BOOK HERE