Registration closes 25 May: Learn ecological agriculture techniques that are easy to grow and sell

Registration for the Jiangxi session of the Local Ecological Agriculture Co-learning and Co-building Camp closes on 25 May 2026. With only a few places remaining, we encourage early registration.

As a non-profit platform advocating sustainable food and farming systems, Foodthink published an open call in early 2024: “Tell Us: What Kind of Ecological Agriculture Training Do You Need?” This allowed us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the training needs of small- and medium-scale ecological farmers and cooperatives across different regions.

Following this, Foodthink held two sessions of the Local Ecological Agriculture Co-learning & Co-building Camp in two communities in Guangdong in 2024 and 2025 respectively.

●The first co-learning camp was held at Xianniangxi in Conghua, Guangzhou. Photography: Atang

●Training session. The second co-learning camp was held at Huiling Farm in Conghua, Guangzhou. Photography: Lingyu

After the camp concluded, many participants noted that the greatest value of this learning experience was twofold. On the one hand, the camp clearly explained the foundational principles of ecological agriculture that they had “heard many times but never truly understood.” On the other, through practical sessions covering composting, fermented plant juice (enzymatic inoculant), soil care, and field observation, participants were able to put these principles into practice with their own hands and take them back to their farms.

For farming peers already on the ecological agriculture path, this was far more than a technical training; it wove their previously scattered experiences into a coherent system. Some gained a clearer understanding of the nutrients plants require, finally grasping the core principles behind composting and making fermented inoculants. They also learned how to produce amino acid fertilisers, such as compost and fish protein, and discovered the answer to “how to cultivate good soil”. Others found inspiration in crop management, learning, for example, the optimal time to apply Trichoderma (referred to locally as ‘hairy fungus’) and how to boost fruit sugar levels through field observation. Meanwhile, participants with no prior background said that the hands-on workshops for making fermented inoculants and compost, which blended theory with practical exercises, were incredibly rewarding.

●Group practical sessions making fermented inoculants, Trichoderma, and more. Photograph: Wang Juan

◉Starting by gathering readily available materials from the immediate surroundings to make compost. Photographs: Liu Yiyue, liuyang, Ling Yu

Beyond farming techniques, participants also spoke openly during the evening discussions. Through mutual sharing and dialogue, they gained a deeper understanding of the market and broadened their horizons: whereas previous training had focused mainly on fieldwork, this cohort began to recognise consumer demand for ecological agriculture, realising that producing crops that taste good, look appealing, and remain affordable is just as crucial.

More importantly, many described the experience as a genuine gathering of peers. Some found like-minded partners; others, inspired by the insights of frontline farmers, gained a clearer sense of the farming methods and scale they wished to pursue; while for others, confronting the realities of the sector prompted serious reflection on what they truly want to achieve through ecological agriculture. This collaborative approach to learning even extended into their personal lives: some participants began engaging with their families as ‘facilitators’, using active listening and thoughtful questioning to explore new ways of working together.

These outcomes are precisely what the Camp has consistently worked towards.

Within the ecological agriculture community, practices are often divided into distinct schools of thought. Each operates with its own theoretical framework and technical standards, much like traditional martial arts sects; committing to one can sometimes mean becoming bound by its conventions.

The two ‘grassroots experts’ guiding the Camp have spent more than two decades working in the sector. We firmly believe that the theory and practice of ecological agriculture should serve farmers, rather than becoming a barrier to entry or an additional cost.

Then there is the question: is it harder to grow the crops or to sell them? For small-scale ecological farmers in China, this remains as profound a conundrum as the classic chicken-and-egg dilemma.

When layered onto the myriad external challenges farmers face—climate change, belt-tightening, channel price squeezing, labour shortages, and rising production costs—the situation truly becomes an uphill battle.

An increasing number of smallholders are also recognising that, in the face of intensifying climate and market pressures, they must continually refine their ecological farming skills. By adopting low-cost, efficient, accessible, and resilient methods, they can cultivate higher-quality produce.

For this reason, the Camp has continually sought to bridge fundamental science, field-level practice, market realities, and human connection. The aim is to give experienced practitioners greater clarity, provide those considering a transition with the confidence to move forward, and help newcomers build a systematic understanding of what ecological agriculture entails and how to begin.

Building on feedback from previous cohorts, the Camp is set to return on 4–6 June 2026. We will once again welcome two ‘grassroots experts’ with extensive experience in delivering accessible, smallholder-friendly training, alongside farm mentors who have developed their skills through years of hands-on practice and peer learning. Hosted in Yangqiao Village, Lianhua County, Pingxiang City, Jiangxi Province, this three-day Local Ecological Agriculture Co-learning & Co-building Camp aims to equip those already working in ecological farming—or those looking to make the transition—with practical skills and a clearer sense of direction.

Over the course of these few days, we will work together to find a balance in our production techniques and approaches. These methods are designed to address the issues farmers care about most: yield, quality, and cost.

◉Digging soil pits to observe the soil. Photo: Liu Yiyue

– Basic Information –

– Event Location –

Yangqiao Village, Lianhua County, Pingxiang City, Jiangxi Province

– Training Dates –

04–06 June 2025

Three days in total (excluding travel and registration time)

– Target Audience –

•Family farm managers who are transitioning or have already transitioned (relying primarily on family labour)

• Commercial farm managers & key technical staff (moderate scale, diversified operations)

• Core members of production cooperatives (priority given to technical specialists)

• Practitioners from non-profit organisations seeking to lead their communities through an ecological agriculture transition

*Limited to 20 participants

Given the strong regional nature of agriculture

Priority will be given to fellow farmers from Jiangxi, Guangdong and Guangxi, and Hunan and Hubei.

– Co-learning Content –

1. Theory and practical application of place-based ecological agriculture techniques

The theoretical component follows three main strands: soil, plants, and animals. These strands are interwoven through practical agricultural case studies, bridging hands-on experience with underlying ecological principles. Understanding where different techniques fit within a farming ecosystem—and the role they play—will better equip us to guide our daily practices and navigate a path forward through balance.

The practical sessions will focus on two core areas: composting and liquid fertilisers. Composting will cover aerobic and semi-anaerobic methods, while liquid fertilisers will include amino acid-based solutions, fermented inoculants, pest-repellent brews, and pest and disease suppressants.

Participants will work in small groups for the practical exercises, which are split into two parts: guided projects (where the organisers supply all materials for making fertilisers) and open-ended exploration (where participants source materials from the local environment).

2. Case studies of returning to rural farming

Engaging in ecological agriculture inevitably raises questions about livelihood. Of course, everyone’s definition of a livelihood differs: some see it as building a commercial value chain, while others simply view it as a way to find their footing and make a living. People’s circumstances and capabilities vary, but we recognise that most practitioners lack the conditions to scale up. That is why our co-learning camp focuses on sharing experiences that the majority can genuinely draw from—a practical pathway for those who wish to return to rural life and establish a sustainable livelihood.

3. How to “start from scratch”: your first step in farming

What is the first step when starting out in ecological agriculture? Market research? Sector planning? Securing a site? Or taking stock of your resources? Do you travel elsewhere to study and build experience? Or learn by doing, working it out as you go?

When your mind feels tangled by doubts and uncertainties, you are welcome to come and chat with us. If you are ready to take the first step but unsure where to begin, what should you do?

– Registration Dates –

From now until 25 May 2026

Until places are filled

If you wish to apply for a scholarship, please submit your application by 21 May.

– Fee structure –

1,840 RMB per person (includes 1,600 RMB for the training programme and 240 RMB for meals during the three-day course; travel and accommodation are not included). Pairs booking together receive a discount of 200 RMB each.

We are also offering two scholarship options for small-scale farmers who have already begun transitioning:

• Half scholarship: Half-scholarship recipients pay only RMB 1,040 (half-price training fee and meals); transport and accommodation are not included.

• Full scholarship: Training fee, accommodation and meals are fully covered; participant travel costs are not included.

* Scholarship applications close on 21 May; first come, first served;

* To apply for a scholarship, please tick the relevant box on the registration form. We will confirm your exact tuition fees when we contact you.

– Registration Link –

Please ensure your contact details are correct in the registration form.

We will be in touch as soon as possible after you register.

– Schedule –

– Accommodation –

There is only one homestay in Yangqiao Village: one single room (110 RMB/day), three standard double rooms (110 RMB/day), and one quad room (220 RMB/day). You can book when registering; the organising team will assist with reservations, and participants will share the room costs.

Alternatively, you can stay with local villagers. The price is 70 RMB per single room. You can reserve a room when registering, and the organising team will help arrange it.

– Transport –

We recommend taking the high-speed train to Pingxiang North Station. From there, search for the ‘Lianhua Chuxing’ mini-program to book a business car online. Select the ‘Pingxiang North to Lianhua’ route and choose Fanglou Town as your drop-off point (the journey takes around an hour). Carpooling with up to eight people is recommended. Upon arrival, you can take the bus (Lianhua to Yangqiao line) directly to Yangqiao Village (the final stop, 5 km away, about 10 minutes), or share a taxi straight to the village.

If travelling by air, we recommend flying into Changsha and then taking the high-speed train to Pingxiang North.

– About Our Facilitators –

Facilitator

Luo Lishuang

Born in the 1980s in Baise, Guangxi. Senior agricultural technician. Began working in ecological agriculture production and research in 2008. From 2010 to 2020, served as Chief Technical Advisor for Guangxi Leming Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., guiding clients on crop cultivation. Between 2015 and 2018, founded the non-profit ‘Hope Oasis’, promoting grassroots ecological fruit farming transition trials in Guangxi. Returned home in 2019 to establish Huashan Farm. Joined Guangxi Guoren Rural Poverty Alleviation and Development Centre from 2020 to 2022, collaborating with the team to localise ecological agriculture techniques and explore farmer training. From 2021 to 2022, joined Guangxi Gaoming Group as Chief Technical Advisor, guiding the group’s ecological transition and directly managing a 360-mu (approx. 24-hectare) experimental plot, achieving excellent results.

Over fifteen years in the field, he has focused primarily on soil and ecological cultivation research. His extensive frontline work has built up rich practical experience, fostering a deep reflection and understanding of ecological farming.

He favours a co-learning teaching approach, helping you understand natural phenomena through practice and reflection, uncover basic ecological principles through analysis and discussion, and continually deepen your awareness of your relationship with nature through equal dialogue. Together, we will explore how to achieve a balance between crops and nature, and foster harmonious development between people and the environment.

Facilitator

Huang Guoliang

Born in the 1980s in Hepu, Guangxi. Since 2005, he has been involved with the Centre for Rural Development at Renmin University of China, contributing to the establishment of the Yan Yangchu Rural Reconstruction Institute’s ecological agriculture studio. In 2008, co-founded China’s first CSA farm, Beijing Little Donkey CSA Farm (Community Supported Agriculture). In 2012, launched Chongqing Guoren Dapinghuo Community Canteen, an ecological restaurant. Joined Community Partners HK’s Guangxi Office in 2013, primarily promoting ecological agriculture and the preservation of local crop varieties. Spearheaded the establishment of ‘Guizai Returns to Farm’, a local variety protection platform in Guangxi, using it to organise exchanges for ecological farming leaders across the province. In 2017, co-founded Nanning Shiyouyuan Ecological Agriculture Co., Ltd. (Nanning Urban Farmers’ Market), Guangxi’s first online and offline platform for displaying and trading ecological produce, connecting urban consumers with farmers. Founded the Guangxi Guoren Rural Poverty Alleviation and Development Centre in 2018 and directed its daily operations. Since 2023, continues as an independent consultant, exploring the localisation of ecological agriculture techniques and farmer training.

Facilitator

Liao Fenglian

Originally from Jiangxi, now working in Guangdong as Director of Guangzhou Shengeng Community Development. Entered rural social work after graduating in 2016, focusing on cultivating rural self-organisations, climate change, ecological agriculture, cooperative economics, and elderly care in rural areas. Met Teacher Luo in 2018 and invited him to run ecological agriculture training in project villages, acquiring most of her technical knowledge from him. She has since assisted with courses in multiple co-learning camps. Looking ahead, she aims to become a rural development practitioner skilled in both crop cultivation and agricultural marketing.

Farmer Mentor

Wei Guanghai

Born in the 1980s in Du’an, Guangxi. After graduating in 2008, he worked in a factory and rose to management, but found the atmosphere unsuited to his introverted nature. He returned home in 2012 to start growing honey pomelos. In 2018, he was introduced to ecological agriculture through staff at the Du’an Green Root Public Welfare Federation and began transitioning his production methods. He attended the soil course in 2020, studying ecological agriculture techniques and practice in depth with Teacher Luo. During this time, his family’s attitude shifted from disbelief to full support. His journey has also inspired a group of local young people to rethink their farming approaches and try transitioning to ecological methods.

Farmer Mentor

Zhou Ciyu

Born in the 1980s in Guilin, Guangxi. A graduate in environmental art design, she previously ran her own ventures, including a distillery, a yuba factory, a rice noodle factory, and a restaurant. After these experiences, she ultimately chose to return home with her husband in 2016 to farm ecologically, founding Citang Farm. Starting from scratch, they visited numerous farms to learn ecological agriculture and traditional processing skills. After ten years of operation, they have finally carved out a sustainable ecological farming path suited to their family, growing steadier with each step.

Farmer Mentor

Liao Hai

Born in the late 1990s in Ganzhou, Jiangxi. Returned home in late 2019 for family reasons to take over the family orchard and began learning the cultivation and management of citrus crops. Gradually started exploring and practising ecological agriculture from 2021. The family orchard mainly grows navel oranges and Huajin kumquats, alongside a herd of over ten cattle. Due to technical limitations and the impact of Huanglongbing (citrus greening disease), the orchard has not yet fully transitioned to ecological agriculture. In 2023, he initiated an ecological transition trial in a relatively isolated navel orange plot on a nearby hill. He hopes to continually refine his cultivation skills so that the entire orchard can eventually make the full transition.