Soil Food Web School Advanced Programs Are Reopening!
At the Soil Food Web School, we teach that soil is not dirt; it is a living ecosystem. Healthy farms, resilient landscapes, and regenerative agriculture all begin with living soil supported by the soil food web. In our flagship Foundation Courses, Dr. Elaine Ingham presents the science underlying this statement in intricate and brilliant detail, along with practical strategies for restoring the vitality of the soil food web.
Our Advanced Programs were designed to provide additional support and training for individuals to put these techniques into practice and as pathways to become Soil Food Web Lab-techs and Consultants. To-date, the Soil Food Web School has graduated over 100 consultants and 250 lab-techs, who comprise a vibrant community of practitioners all across the world.
In October 2025, we made the intentional decision to pause enrollment in our Advanced Programs during an organizational transition and the launch of the Soil Food Web Foundation, a nonprofit created to steward Soil Food Web science and education for the long term.
After months of listening, evaluation, and redesign, we’re pleased to share that Advanced Program enrollment will reopen in March 2026.
Why We Paused
Over the years, the school has intentionally experimented with new education delivery models—most notably the Compost Intensive Program and the Consultant Training Program Accelerator Workshops. These initiatives were designed to be more proactive and structured in how critical skills are taught and practiced. The results were clear: significantly higher student completion rates, faster learning curves, stronger confidence in applied skills, and greater overall student satisfaction.
The pause allowed us to incorporate the learning’s from these alternative pathways into our core offerings, and to reflect deeply on how we serve students, mentors, and the broader soil regeneration community. Rather than making incremental fixes, we undertook a thoughtful redesign focused on:
- Clearer learning pathways
- Stronger mentorship support
- Practical, real-world application
- Transparency and accessibility
What Has Not Changed
The purpose of our Advanced Programs remains the same: to help students apply Soil Food Web science, as developed by Dr. Elaine Ingham, in real-world contexts.
Our four core pillars remain intact:
- Soil Microscopy
- Biocomplete Compost Production
- Biological Liquid Amendments
- Field Trials and Applied Learning
Certification pathways for Soil Food Web Lab Technicians and Consultants remain supported.
What Has Changed (and Why)
Clearer Program Structure: Larger programs are now organized into well-defined courses, titled by content, with transparent expectations, milestones, and outcomes.
Improved Mentorship Model: Limitations in mentoring hours have been removed. Instead of a fixed number of hours upon signing up for the program, students receive:
- A dedicated 1-1 mentor
- Regular mentor office hours
- Access to the full mentorship team
- Clear guidance and structured support
- Enhanced Learning Experience
Across all programs, students will find:
- Improved onboarding and orientation
- Updated manuals and additional videos
- Stronger alignment between coursework, mentoring, and field practice
Looking Ahead
The reopening of the Advanced Programs marks an important next chapter in Soil Food Web education. These programs are designed as living collaborative systems – evolving alongside soil biology, regenerative agriculture, and the needs of land stewards worldwide.
We are developing a new advanced course for farmers seeking deeper support in implementing the Soil Food Web approach. The first iteration will run as a pilot, with a small group of farmers invited to participate at no cost. If you are interested in participating, please let us know: https://forms.gle/Ac7W88VRirdQ3DqSA
We’re grateful to our students, alumni, mentors, and community for their trust and engagement, and we look forward to welcoming new and returning learners in 2026.
Evan Buckman
Executive Director
Soil Food Web Foundation
Please reach out to us at info@soilfoodweb.com if you have any questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Soil Food Web?
The Soil Food Web is the network of microorganisms – bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and more – that drive nutrient cycling, plant health, and soil regeneration. Understanding this system is foundational to living soil and regenerative agriculture. Check out our short animated video here: Soil Food Web
Who are the Advanced Programs for?
The Advanced Programs are designed for farmers, growers, consultants, land managers, practitioners, and others looking to get into these fields who want hands-on training in applied Soil Food Web practices.
When does enrollment reopen?
Enrollment is estimated to open in February 2026, with active learning beginning in March 2026.
Will existing AP students be able to access the updated program content and additional support?
Yes, all currently enrolled students will be invited to participate in the new and improved programs. Detailed information will be provided directly to students.
Are existing certifications still valid?
Yes. All existing certifications remain fully intact.
Do I need a microscope to take compost courses?
No. Students can now move directly from Foundation Courses into Biocomplete Compost Production without first enrolling in Soil Microscopy.
How is mentorship different now?
In addition to mentorship through 1-1 sessions or email, students will now have structured access to the full mentorship team through regular office hours. Students will no longer be limited to a set number of mentoring hours. This will reduce administrative barriers and be supportive of students reaching their learning objectives.
How is this relevant to regenerative agriculture and permaculture?
Yes. Soil Food Web science underpins many regenerative agriculture and permaculture practices by focusing on living soil, biological nutrient cycling, and ecosystem resilience. We will soon be offering new programs designed for Farmers and professionals guiding transitions to regenerative agriculture systems.
