Caribbean Agroforestry Institute: OffGrid 2026 Homesteading

The OffGrid Homesteading 2026 workshop, hosted by the Caribbean Agroforestry Institute in Camuy, Puerto Rico, offers a 4-day immersive experience in permaculture, agroforestry, and off-grid living on a 36-acre off-grid homestead at 1000’ elevation. Participants engage in hands-on learning with expert instructors specializing in bamboo, mushroom cultivation, and medicinal herbs, covering project implementation and case studies for self-sufficient lifestyles. The program includes 10 farm-fresh organic meals, BYO tent/hammock camping, and is priced at $800 per student or $1200 per couple, with kids under 10 free and a $400 non-refundable deposit. The syllabus introduces permaculture principles, agroforestry basics, solar design, and water catchment systems, equipping attendees to build resilient, productive ecosystems. Activities emphasize practical skills like site analysis, zone planning, swale construction, and plant guild design, tailored to tropical Caribbean contexts. Guest instructors provide specialized knowledge on bamboo for construction and erosion control, mushroom log inoculation for protein sources, and herb propagation for medicine and cuisine. The workshop fosters community through group projects, such as establishing a mini food forest or solar-powered systems, while discussing challenges like hurricane resilience and water security. This event bridges theory and practice, inspiring participants to replicate models on their properties. It highlights permaculture's adaptability to island ecosystems, integrating agroforestry for year-round yields of fruits, nuts, and perennials. Outcomes include actionable plans, resource lists, and networks for ongoing support, positioning attendees to pioneer off-grid homesteading amid climate uncertainties.