LEARN TO DESIGN, MANAGE AND SCALE
YOUR FOOD FOREST
We're hosting an advanced, technical food forest training weekend in New Zealand on March 29-30.
The FOOD-FORESTRY.com Technical Training Weekend is a hands-on, skill-building immersion focused on the practical techniques needed to design, install, and manage regenerative food systems. This event is led by experienced practitioners who have built and maintained agroforestry systems across diverse landscapes, giving you the tools, confidence, and strategies to apply immediately on your land.
This is not just another workshop—it’s a technical training experience where you’ll:
✅ Gain real-world experience with expert guidance
✅ Develop essential agroforestry installation and management skills
✅ Walk away with three to five specific action steps tailored to your food forest’s next stage
You’ll be learning directly from:
🌱 Byron – A syntropic agroforestry practitioner with extensive hands-on experience in system design, installation, and long-term management.
🌳 Kyle – A professional arborist with 11+ years of experience, specializing in tree climbing, pruning, and advanced agroforestry techniques.
Beyond the weekend, your entry includes 12 months of continued support inside our active online community, ensuring you’re never left figuring things out alone:
🔹 Ongoing community events & technical trainings for deeper learning and refining your skills
🔹 Join our online network of experienced growers for regular troubleshooting, learning and advice
🔹 FREE access to future in-person events, including more trainings in NZ and internationally
This weekend is designed for action-oriented growers who want to develop technical skills and connect with a community that’s actively implementing regenerative systems. If you're ready to level up your food forestry expertise, this is for you.
BOOK A CALL BELOW TO SEE IF YOU'RE A FIT
THE RIGHT STRATEGY & SKILLS FOR YOUR LAND'S FUTURE
HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE AT THE EVENT
Hands-On Training with Expert Practitioners
Experience real-time demonstrations and guided instruction on key food forest techniques, from planting and pruning to system management and high-value crop integration.
A Community of Like-Minded Growers
Surround yourself with landowners, farmers, and agroforestry pioneers who are committed to making their land more productive, resilient, and ecologically beneficial.
A Proven, High-Impact Agroforestry Framework
Learn the step-by-step methodology that has helped countless growers establish high-yielding, regenerative food forests.
A Network That Supports You Beyond the Event
Gain access to a community of practitioners who continue to share knowledge, resources, and collaboration opportunities after the workshop.
Weekend Agenda
Day 1 & 2 Schedule:
Location:
15 minutes outside Whakatāne
8:00am gates open + fruit served
9:00am trainings & sessions begin
6:00pm trainings & sessions end
Additional Details:
-
Dress Code: Outdoor workwear – expect to get hands-on in the field!
-
What to Bring: Gloves, sturdy footwear, hat, notebook, and a refillable water bottle.
-
Accommodation: Nearby eco-lodges, farm stays, DOC campgrounds and B&Bs available.
-
Included in Your Ticket:
-
12 months of access to ongoing community trainings & events.
-
Exclusive follow-up Q&A calls to support your learning.
-
A network of like-minded growers & practitioners to stay connected with.
-
-
Disclaimer: This is an immersive experience. Be ready to get involved and learn by doing!
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Byron Austin – Founder of FOOD-FORESTRY.com
Byron is an internationally recognised practitioner in Syntropic Agroforestry, regenerative food systems, and ecological restoration. With over a decade of hands-on experience designing, installing, and managing food forests, Byron has worked alongside some of the world’s top practitioners, including direct learning with Ernst Götsch in Brazil. His approach blends deep ecological knowledge with practical, real-world implementation, making food forestry accessible and achievable for landowners at any scale.
Byron has helped countless landowners—from small-scale homesteaders to commercial growers—transform their landscapes into productive, resilient ecosystems. His work spans multiple continents, including projects in New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Florida. Through his consultancy, workshops, and online community, Byron has built one of the most trusted networks in the agroforestry space, with over 150,000 people following his insights online. His hands-on, results-driven methodology ensures that every participant walks away with the tools and confidence to create their own thriving food forest.
Kyle Gervis – Professional Arborist & Agroforestry Trainer
Kyle is a professional arborist with over 11 years of experience in tree care, climbing, and forest management. His expertise in tree pruning, rigging, and canopy management makes him a key asset to anyone looking to integrate advanced tree care into their agroforestry system. Kyle has spent years training others in essential agroforestry skills, from safe tree climbing techniques to advanced pruning strategies that enhance productivity and longevity.
As a mentor and educator, Kyle is passionate about empowering landowners with the skills they need to work with trees confidently and safely. His ability to break down complex techniques into practical, actionable steps makes him an invaluable instructor at this workshop. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced grower, Kyle’s expertise will elevate your understanding of tree management and its role in a thriving food forest.
Event FAQs
What is the FOOD-FORESTRY.com Technical Training Weekend? The FOOD-FORESTRY.com Technical Training Weekend is an intensive, hands-on event designed specifically for practical skill-building in agroforestry and land management. This is not a theory-based workshop—it’s a technical training weekend where you’ll develop real-world competencies alongside experienced practitioners. You'll be learning directly from: 🌱 Byron – A leading practitioner and educator in syntropic agroforestry, with extensive hands-on experience designing, installing, and managing food forests. 🌳 Kyle – A professional arborist with 15+ years of experience, specializing in tree climbing, pruning, and advanced agroforestry management techniques. Throughout the weekend, you’ll gain immediately applicable skills, from precision pruning and safe climbing techniques to agroforestry system optimization and long-term management strategies. By joining, you also receive 12 months of continued access to: ✅ Ongoing technical trainings to deepen your skillset ✅ Q&A calls to troubleshoot challenges as your system evolves ✅ Future in-person events (including the next training weekend in NZ this October/November) ✅ A community of dedicated growers sharing knowledge and experience This is not just a workshop—it’s your entry into a year-long support system designed to help you implement, refine, and master agroforestry techniques.
How do I register for the Food Forestry Workshop? Simply book a call through the link below to ensure you're a good fit for the workshop. Spots are limited to maintain an interactive, high-value experience.
Can I bring a guest to the workshop? Yes! Members can bring up to 2 guests for the first day. However, Day 2 is structured specifically for those actively engaged in tree climbing, pruning, and technical training, so additional guests may be restricted depending on capacity.
Where is the workshop located? The workshop is held at Byron's 4+ year old Demonstration Site outside of Whakatāne, New Zealand. The exact location will be provided upon registration.
Is lodging or transportation included in my ticket? No, lodging and transportation are not included. We encourage attendees to carpool if possible. Nearby accommodation options, including eco-lodges, DOC campgrounds and farm stays, will be suggested after registration.
What should I bring to the workshop? Sturdy workwear (clothes that can get dirty) Gloves, hat, and waterproof gear (weather dependent) Notebook, pen, and refillable water bottle Lunch and snacks (or opt into group catering) If participating in climbing activities: sturdy boots and any personal climbing gear (optional)
Will there be food and refreshments? We will provide morning tea, coffee, and fruit throughout the day, but lunch is not included. Attendees can bring their own or join a group trip to local shops 5 minutes away.
What time does the workshop start and end? 8:00 AM – Doors open, morning tea 9:00 AM – Hands-on training begins 12:30 PM – Lunch break 1:30 PM – Afternoon sessions (practical applications & Q&A) 5:00 PM – End of sessions (optional social event on Day 1)
What will I learn at the workshop? Each day is packed with real-world, actionable training, including: Food forest planning, layout, and plant selection Tree climbing and pruning techniques (Day 2) Regenerative soil-building strategies Managing a diverse and productive agroforestry system Networking with other landowners and practitioners
Can I get one-on-one guidance during the workshop? Yes! The event is structured to allow personalized feedback, ensuring you walk away with clear action steps for your own land.
Are photos and videos allowed during the workshop? Yes! We encourage you to document your learning, but please be mindful of others’ privacy.
Is this a one-time event or an ongoing membership? This is an annual Fellowship membership that includes in-person events like this workshop, monthly support, and exclusive training opportunities throughout the year. The event is just one piece of the full program—you’ll continue receiving guidance, resources, and networking opportunities well beyond the workshop.
What happens after the workshop? Your 12-month membership keeps you connected with experts and fellow growers. You’ll get access to additional in-person events (like the upcoming October/November event), regular Q&A calls, and a community of people all working towards the same goal—building thriving, productive food forests.
Does my membership renew automatically? Yes, your Fellowship membership will renew annually so you can continue benefiting from all future workshops, community trainings, and expert guidance. You can cancel anytime before your next billing cycle if you decide not to continue.
How much does it cost? The investment for the annual membership is $416 USD (approximately $738 NZD) per year. When structuring this offer, we had two choices: The first was to sell one-off workshop tickets like everyone else, giving access to a single event with no ongoing support. The problem? That wouldn’t provide the long-term results you need. A food forest is a living system, evolving over time. You don’t just need a one-off experience—you need ongoing guidance, training, and community as your system grows. So, instead of charging a one-time event fee, we built a recurring membership that gives you: ✅ Access to this workshop—a full weekend of hands-on training and expert guidance ✅ Ongoing support throughout the year—you’re never left figuring things out alone ✅ Access to all future community events—including all in-person events in NZ and internationally. ✅ Exclusive trainings, calls, and mentorship—so you continue learning and improving If you want a one-time experience, this probably isn’t for you. But if you’re serious about growing a thriving food forest and getting expert guidance every step of the way, then this membership will shortcut your learning curve and get you real results. 👉 Book a call today to see if this is the right fit for you!