New farming courses provide science-based and practical learning

VIU’s Cowichan campus piloting three micro-credential certificates for farmers

Are you curious about the science behind sustainable farming and gardening practices?

A new set of micro-credential certificates will offer basic education in sustainable agriculture and food production. The courses are designed for busy producers who can't join long-term programs. They are for new or long-term farmers who don’t have formal training or who want to build on their knowledge.

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is now testing the first three courses at its Cowichan campus in partnership with North Island College. The first three courses in the series introduce people to the science behind sustainable agriculture production. The courses are: 

· Sustainable Soils Management – Fall 2024

· Agroecology – Fall 2024

· Organic Vegetable Seed Production – Spring 2025

Julia Fisher, Lead Program Coordinator, said the courses are eligible for the StrongerBC future skills grant, which covers tuition, fees, and course materials for eligible short-term training programs.

“The cost of these courses are fully covered with this grant, and the classes are online in the evenings and the field days are on the weekends," said Fisher. "Our hope is to make these courses as accessible as possible for the farming community."

Each course has up to 10 sessions and usually includes two on-site field days. Courses includes readings, three-hour online classes, exercises, management planning and guest speakers.

These new courses are a partnership with the Continuing Education and Training Association of BC (CETA BC). They aim to fill the need for science-based agriculture certificates in BC's small universities and regional colleges.

Funding for the soils and seeds courses came from CETA BC. The Seeds MC project has national partners ­–­ SeedChange and Canadian Organic Growers. The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills funded the Agroecology course. 

For more information or to sign up for these and other farmer training programs, visit the Farming Fundamentals website. You can also contact VIU Cowichan Professional Development and Training at PDTagriculture@viu.ca.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Eric Zimmer, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University

P: 250.618.7296 | E: Eric.Zimmer@viu.ca | X: @VIUNews

The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge