Fungi in Organic & Regenerative Farming Systems
Applying fungal ecology to the design of organic and regenerative farms, from rotations and amendments to livestock integration.
Program identification
- 1.1Program name
- Fungi in Organic & Regenerative Farming Systems
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Fungal Ecology & Regenerative Agriculture. A Fungaris program of its own, not endorsed by a university.
- 1.4Mode of study
- Online, with live sessions in a small group, recordings and a virtual campus.
- 1.5Duration (hours / ECTS credits)
- 3 months (12 weeks) · 72 hours in total · 6 modules of 12 hours · 12 live sessions of 2 hours. ECTS credits: not applicable (Fungaris own program, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: January 11, 2027 to April 2, 2027. Enrollment closes on January 4, 2027. Following intake: March 8, 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Program description
Organic and regenerative farms rely on soil biology to deliver much of what synthetic inputs provide elsewhere, and fungi sit at the heart of that biology. This course shows how to apply fungal ecology when designing or converting a farm. It starts with regenerative principles and the soil biology behind them, then looks at how crop rotations shape fungal communities, how organic amendments, mulches and biofertilizers feed or alter them, and how grazing and livestock integration influence soil fungi.
Many farmers are considering a transition but need practical, evidence-based guidance on what changes to make and in what order. The course suits farmers, farm advisers and transition planners who want to put fungal ecology at the center of farm design. One module focuses on reducing inputs that harm soil fungi, such as excessive phosphorus or certain fungicides, and the final module covers planning and monitoring a transition over several seasons. For the final project, students write a staged transition plan for a real or case-study farm, with fungal-focused actions and monitoring indicators.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in ecology, useful in areas such as organic and regenerative agriculture, agricultural advisory services, food and beverage supply chains, rural development programs.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This program gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgment and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the program able to apply its content professionally and with judgment. In short:
Applying fungal ecology to the design of organic and regenerative farms, from rotations and amendments to livestock integration.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Regenerative Principles and Soil Biology; Crop Rotations and Fungal Communities.
- Put them into practice: Organic Amendments, Mulches and Biofertilizers; Grazing, Livestock and Soil Fungi.
- Apply everything to a real case: Reducing Inputs that Harm Soil Fungi; Planning and Monitoring a Farm Transition.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your instructor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Relate regenerative farming principles to soil fungal ecology.
- Design crop rotations that support beneficial fungal communities.
- Select organic amendments and mulches suited to soil fungi.
- Identify farm inputs that harm soil fungi and plan their reduction.
- Prepare and monitor a staged farm transition plan.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Farmers, farm advisers and transition planners.
4.2Entry requirements
No specialist training is needed; practical knowledge of farming systems is helpful.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Regenerative farm manager
- Organic farming adviser
- Transition planner for farm conversion schemes
- Sustainability manager in a food company sourcing program
- Extension officer in regenerative agriculture
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Regenerative Principles and Soil Biology | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Crop Rotations and Fungal Communities | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Organic Amendments, Mulches and Biofertilizers | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Grazing, Livestock and Soil Fungi | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Reducing Inputs that Harm Soil Fungi | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Planning and Monitoring a Farm Transition | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| Total | 72 |
6 modules × 12 hours = 72 hours: 24 hours of live sessions, and the rest for campus study, exercises and the final project.
5.2Content by module
Hover or tap a module to follow the path from the first session to the final project. Open a module to see the topics it covers.
- Core regenerative principles
- Soil biology as a farm asset
- Organic and regenerative standards compared
- Rotation diversity and fungal communities
- Mycorrhizal hosts in the sequence
- Breaking disease cycles
- Compost, manure and green manures
- Mulches and residue management
- Biofertilizers and their role
- Grazing pressure and root systems
- Dung, urine and soil fungi
- Integrating livestock into arable rotations
- Phosphorus fertilizer and mycorrhizae
- Fungicides and soil fungi
- Alternatives and gradual reduction
- Setting transition goals
- Sequencing changes over seasons
- Monitoring soil biology and yields
5.3Company placement
This program does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
A staged transition plan for a real or case-study farm with fungal-focused actions and indicators.
Methodology
6.1How it is taught
- Live online sessions, usually weekly, with a working professional and a small group.
- Recordings of every session, so you can catch up if work or time zones get in the way.
- Exercises and real case studies in every module.
- Tutoring: your instructor answers questions and gives feedback on your exercises and project.
6.2Platform and resources
A Moodle virtual campus with session recordings, readings, exercises and forums for each module. You need a computer, an up-to-date browser and a stable connection; a webcam and microphone are recommended.
Technical requirements →6.3Estimated weekly workload
About 6 hours a week for 12 weeks: one 2-hour live session on a weekday evening, plus study and exercises on the campus at your own pace.
Assessment
7.1Assessment system and weighting
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, farm-based exercises in each module and a final transition plan reviewed by the instructor.
7.2Requirements to pass
- Complete every module, by attending the live sessions or watching the recordings.
- Hand in the module exercises.
- Have your final project approved by your instructor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the Ecology school coordinates the content and quality of this program. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The instructor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Course Certificate
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognizes them depends on that organization and on local rules in each country.
9.2Issuing body / recognition
Issued by Fungaris (operated by Nexora Generation, S.L.) as a digital certificate. It is a Fungaris certificate of its own: it is not an official university degree and does not award ECTS credits.
About our certificates →Admission and enrollment
10.1Admission process (steps)
- Send your request through the form or write to admissions.
- Admissions reviews your profile and confirms the start date, the session schedule and the fee.
- You secure your place with full payment or a 40% reservation.
- You receive your campus access and welcome guide before the first session.
10.2Documents required
- A valid identity document.
- Contact and billing details (personal or company).
10.3Deadlines
Enrollment for the intake starting on January 11, 2027 is open until January 4, 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: $450
- Full payment before the start: $360 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation ($180) and 3 monthly installments of $90.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organization. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the program and receive the invoice in the company name. Whether a public or employer training budget can cover the fee depends on your country, so check with them.
10.6Cancellation policy
The conditions for canceling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrollment confirmation. Nothing there limits your rights under the consumer law that applies to you.
Cancellation and refunds →Additional information
11.1Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to study Fungi in Organic & Regenerative Farming Systems?
No specialist training is needed; practical knowledge of farming systems is helpful.
How is Fungi in Organic & Regenerative Farming Systems taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, farm-based exercises in each module and a final transition plan reviewed by the instructor.
What is the final project?
A staged transition plan for a real or case-study farm with fungal-focused actions and indicators.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognizes them depends on that organization and on local rules in each country.
What can I study after Fungi in Organic & Regenerative Farming Systems?
The natural next step is Diploma in Mycorrhizal Agriculture.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This program does not have any published yet; they will appear here once its first intakes finish.
11.3Admissions contact
Write to info@fungaris.institute or use the contact form. Admissions answers in your language.
Read before you start.
Keep branching.
From our species guide.
Join the next intake.
Pay in full with a 20% reduction, or reserve your place with 40% and pay the rest in monthly installments. All prices are stated in US dollars (USD).