Have you ever tried looking for a comprehensive list of agriculture educational programs in Canada? We have, and what found is that many of the lists on the internet are either incomplete, fragmented or have broken links. When you’re looking for an agricultural program of study and thinking about your future career in agriculture, the last thing you want to be doing is searching all over the internet just to find out what programs are out there. So, to help you out, we decided to create a resource page that all young farmers can use to help them find the right program for them and get started on their journey into agriculture.
Agriculture Education in Canada
British Columbia
- University of British Columbia
Practicum in Sustainable Agriculture
Location: Vancouver
Duration: Part-time 8 month program
About: The UBC Farm Practicum in Sustainable Agriculture is an eight-month experiential learning program designed for aspiring farmers, urban gardeners, environmental educators, and students with an interest in applying their learning about sustainable agriculture and food systems.
Master of Agricultural Economics
Location: Vancouver
Duration: 2 year program
About: The Food and Resource Economics (FRE) Group offers a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Agricultural Economics which provides students with rigorous training in economics and quantitative methods. The program emphasizes applied resource and environmental economics and food market analysis, and can be completed in 24 months if students have the appropriate background.
Master of Soil Science
Location: Vancouver
Duration: 2 year program
About: A collaboration between the Faculty of Land and Food Systems and Faculty of Forestry, the inter-faculty Soil Science Graduate Program offers opportunities for advanced study and research leading to MSc and PhD degrees. Students are registered in the Faculty of Graduate Studies through either the Faculty of Land and Food Systems or Faculty of Forestry, depending upon their research interests.
Areas of study include biometeorology, forest nutrition and nutrient cycling, mycorrhizal ecology, soil biology, soil quality and fertility, soil-plant interactions, ecosystem services, land an water systems.
Bachelor of Science: Applied Biology Program
Location: Vancouver
Duration: 4 year program
About: This is an opportunity to study the animal, plant, or soil sciences in a way that relates directly to the major issues facing the planet, environmental protection and preservation, sustainability, and biodiversity, in a specialization that matters to you.
- University of Fraser Valley
Bachelor of Business Administration in Agriculture Management
Location: Chilliwack
Duration: 4 year program
About: UFV’s Bachelor of Business Administration in Agriculture Management is especially designed for professionals who have been working in this growing industry for two years or more and would like to advance their career by studying at a university that has a recognized track record of agricultural excellence in teaching and research.
Agriculture Technology Diploma
http://www.ufv.ca/agriculture/programs/agriculture-technology-diploma/Location: Chilliwack
Duration: 2 year program
About: Courses include:
- Susatainable Soil Management
- Management and Production of Beef, Sheep and Goats
- Vegetable Crop Production
Horticulture Crop Production and Protection Certificate
Location: Chilliwack
Duration: 1 year program (with ability to transfer to 2 year diploma)
About: Our programs provide an excellent balance of theory and practice, and emphasize management practices compatible with agricultural sustainability and society’s increasing concerns about environmentally responsible agricultural production techniques. As a horticulture student, you will participate in hands-on learning in the UFV greenhouses and on the UFV Chilliwack campus grounds.
Livestock Production Certificate
Location: Chilliwack
Duration: 1 year program
About: The Agriculture department at UFV’s Chilliwack campus offers a comprehensive one-year Livestock Production certificate and two-year Agriculture Technology diploma with an option in Livestock Production. Once you’ve completed the one-year certificate, you can ladder directly into the diploma. As a livestock production student, you will participate in hands-on learning in our UFV barn.
Milker Technician Certificate
Location: Chilliwack
Duration: One semester (only offered in winter)
About: The good milker handles cows quietly and efficiently, following sanitary procedures and correct milking techniques. The milker ensures sanitation of all milking equipment and cleanliness in the milking parlours. A milker’s duties also often include feeding, care of young stock, barn cleaning and maintenance, record keeping, and machine operation. Work is often divided into a morning and evening shift; sometimes a milker lives on the employer’s farm. The full-time Milker Technician program prepares students for this type of employment. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a Milker Technician certificate.
Current Agricultural Practices Essentials Certificate
Location: Chilliwack
Duration: 6 courses
About: This 18-credit, 6-course, post-credential certificate will help meet the professional development needs of agriculturists who have either been away from agriculture for a while or who are recent Canadians with prior agriculture experience. This program will update the student’s knowledge of Canadian agriculture and offer a valuable experience (Practicum I) in a modern agriculture business.
Berry Production Essentials Certificate
Location: Chilliwack
Duration: 6 courses
About: This certificate is comprised of 18 credits (6 three-credit courses) and is designed for those entering the berry industry, who wish to gain sufficient knowledge and certification to position themselves for advances within the farm structure and as professional development for others whose employment requires up-to-date knowledge of berry production. The certificate can easily ladder into a Horticulture certificate program or Agriculture diploma at UFV, for students wishing to further their expertise and professional advancement in the horticulture industry.
Integrated Pest Management Essentials Certificate
Location: Chilliwack
Duration: 5 course program
About: Integrated pest management plays a key role in today’s agriculture. This certificate is comprised of 15 credits (5 three-credit courses) and is designed to help producers and agri-service personnel to identify and assess pests in the field and prepare students for entry-level pest scout positions.
Field Vegetable Production Essentials Certificate
Location: Chilliwack
Duration: 6 course program
About: This certificate is comprised of 18 credits (6 three-credit courses) and is designed for those entering the field vegetable industry, who wish to gain sufficient knowledge and certification to position themselves for advances within the farm structure and as professional development for others whose employment requires up-to-date knowledge of field vegetable production. The certificate can easily ladder into a Horticulture certificate program or Agriculture diploma at UFV, for students wishing to further their expertise and professional advancement in the horticulture industry.
Short Courses in Agriculture
- Garden Design Fundamentals
- Cultural Garden Tour
- MarketSAFE
- Aquaponic Food Production
- Pruning Workshop
- Pesticide Applicators Certificate
- Organic Farming Institute of British Columbia
Organic Farming Courses
Location: Lower Similkameen Valley
Duration: varies with course
About: The OFIBC offers first-rate training in organic farming. Unique in Canada, OFIBC training is designed to meet the needs of farmers. Courses are built around in-depth training on working organic farms. The Similkameen Valley is the perfect place for an organic farming training centre. It has the highest concentration of organic farms in Canada.
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture
http://www.kpu.ca/science/agriculture/futureLocation: Surrey
Duration: 4 year program
About: The Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture degree is unique to North America and is distinguished from other agriculture degree programs by providing a broad scope of study related to sustainable food production as an integral and fundamentally critical element of sustainable human existence. Through a distinctive and exceptional combination of classroom and farm-based learning, the program offers a comprehensive perspective on:
- The science of agro-ecosystem design and stewardship;
- Innovative and ecologically sound crop production methods;
- Sustainable farm business management; and,
- The economic, social, and environmental challenges facing our food system
- Vancouver Island University
Organic Farming Institute of BC
Location: Powell River (Online Courses)
Duration: varies by course
About: This program offers both online theory courses and field training.
Courses include:
- Introduction to Organic Soil Management and Nutrient Cycles – provides an overview of organic soil management principles.
- Field Crop Production – all you need to know about organic field crop production
- Transitioning to Organic Methods
- College of the Rockies
Horticulture Technician Foundation Program
Location: Creston
Duration: 1 semester
About: Extensive practical training in a functioning greenhouse and outdoor environment. Emphasis is placed on the development of solid practical knowledge for preparation for the Horticulture industry.
Pesticide Applicator
Location: Creston
Duration: 3 day course
About: Preparation to write the Agriculture General Certification exam.
- Camosun College
Horticultural Technician Certificate
Location: Victoria
Duration: 10 month program
About: You’ll be exposed to on the job conditions so be prepared to work outdoors with work appropriate clothing and boots. You should be in good physical health and have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. You should enjoy working outside in the garden setting while utilizing a wide variety of skills and small equipment.
- Malaspina University College
Horticultural Technician Certificate
Location: Nanaimo
Duration: 12 month program
http://www2.viu.ca/horticulture/About: Our location and facilities provide our students with a broad range of horticulture experiences including plant identification and propagation, greenhouse and nursery crop production, pest management, landscape design, construction and maintenance. During the summer period, students spend months working in industry.
- Kootenay Permaculture Institute
Permaculture Design Certificate
Duration: 13 day course
About: This intensive 13 day course combines theory with practical hands-on learning & design exercises. The participants who complete the course will receive the Permaculture Design Course Certificate.
Alberta
- University of Alberta
Sustainable Agriculture Systems
http://apps.admissions.ualberta.ca/programs/ah/ah010/sagsy1Location: Edmonton
Duration: 4 year program
About: The program provides students with an understanding of the scientific principles underlying the many facets of agriculture together with their application in agricultural systems and related industries. Through a broadly based educational experience, students develop capacities for critical and independent thought and clear expression of ideas. Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on integrating several areas in the physical, biological, and social sciences relevant to modern agricultural practices.
Agricultural and Resource Economics
http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/prospectivestudents/ExplorePrograms/Agriculture/AgriculturalResourceEconomicsMajor.aspxLocation: Edmonton
Duration: 4 year program
About: This major provides you with an understanding of the basic principles of economics and develops a scientific background to help you apply economic tools to production, processing, marketing, and financing and consumption in the agri-food and other resource industries.
You will gain expertise in the use of economic theory in agricultural and other natural resource industries, and will develop analytical techniques that help you to understand and assess a wide variety of policy and market issues. The program develops knowledge of applied social, agricultural, and natural sciences, so that you can succeed in a variety of agricultural and natural resource settings.
Agricultural Business Management
Location: Edmonton
Duration: 4 year program
About: This major prepares you to be a business professional working in the agri-food industry. Through your courses of study you develop an appreciation of the importance of both scientific and economic relationships involved in agriculture. You also fully understand and appreciate the business management skills needed to manage organizations effectively and efficiently within this sector.
By choosing Agricultural Business Management you are challenged with courses in agricultural business management, as well as courses in agricultural science, including animal, plant and soil sciences. As a graduate of this major you are well prepared for a management career in the agri-food industry. With careful course selection you may also qualify to apply to be an Articling Agrologist which can lead to status as a Professional Agrologist.
Agricultural Food and Nutritional Science
Location: Edmonton
Duration: 4 year program
About: The Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science (AFNS) at the University of Alberta is a unique department, the first of its kind in North America, reflecting the integration of many disciplines across Agriculture, Food and Nutrition. AFNS is committed to achieving excellence in the discovery and dissemination of knowledge with the goal of improving the health and quality of life. Disciplines range from primary production and biotechnology in plant and animal sciences, to innovative food and agri-food products, and human nutrition and wellness. The Department boasts 64 professors, 38 adjunct professors, over 230 graduate students, and more than 300 research and support staff, and includes the divisions of Animal Science, Plant Biotechnology, Food Science and Bioresource Technology, and Human Nutrition.
Master of Agriculture
Location: Edmonton
Duration: 2 years
About: A two year course-based program designed for agricultural professionals in government, industry, or private practice.
Crop Science
Location: Edmonton
Duration: 4 year program
About: This major focuses on the agronomy and science of agricultural crop production. It provides you with an in-depth understanding of plant growth, soils and factors affecting crop production. Crop responses to a range of environmental factors are addressed. You will also learn about biotechnological, breeding and production management techniques used to develop, grow and market well-adapted, high quality and high yielding crop cultivars. Skills to help you respond to economic situations, market demands, environmental constraints and societal expectations will also be developed.
- University of Lethbridge
Agricultural Studies
Location: Lethbridge
Duration: varies with program of study
About: Students interested in Agricultural Studies have four degree options from which to choose: two four-year majors (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science) and two Post-Diploma majors (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science). In addition to the courses required to satisfy the requirements of each of the majors, students must statisfy the Univerity’s General Liberal Education Requirement (GLER).
- Lethbridge College
Agriculture Science Diploma – Plant and Soil Major
Location: Lethbridge
Duration: 2 year program
About: You can be part of a growing industry full of opportunities with the Agriculture Sciences program. Our two-year diploma will send you on your way to a rewarding career, giving you expertise in a variety of areas, including agricultural research and animal health.
Agriculture Science Diploma – Animal Major
Location: Lethbridge
Duration: 2 year program
About: Our two-year diploma will send you on your way to a rewarding career, giving you expertise in a variety of areas, including agricultural research and animal health. In your second year, you can choose the area that interests you most by majoring in either Plant and Soil Science or Animal Science. We’ll help you plant the career you’ve always dreamed of.
Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Technician Certificate
Location: Lethbridge
Duration: 1 year program
About: Our one-year certificate gives you the versatility to work in agricultural and/or heavy-duty diesel equipment repair. In small classes, you’ll learn about suspensions, power trains, steering, brakes, diesel engines, fuel systems, electrical systems and mobile hydraulics. Our state-of-the-art shop will equip you with all the latest tools and technologies, helping you lay out a solid foundation in this fast-paced industry.
Agriculture Equipment Technician Apprenticeship
Location: Lethbridge
Duration: 8 to 12 weeks of classroom training each year, in addition to on-the-job training.
About: Our one-year certificate gives you the versatility to work in agricultural and/or heavy-duty diesel equipment repair. In small classes, you’ll learn about suspensions, power trains, steering, brakes, diesel engines, fuel systems, electrical systems and mobile hydraulics. Our state-of-the-art shop will equip you with all the latest tools and technologies, helping you lay out a solid foundation in this fast-paced industry.
- Red Deer College
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Location: Red Deer
Duration: 1 year – transfer to university for the rest of the program.
About: The RDC program is a modified first year of study that provides credit for the first year of Bachelor of Science Agriculture. It is strongly recommended that students complete all junior requirements before taking senior courses.
Agricultural Food Business Management
Location: Red Deer
Duration: 1 year – transfer to university for the rest of the program.
About: Students in BSc Agricultural/Food Business Management will choose one specialization: Agricultural Business Management, Food Processing Business Management, or Food Service Business Management. This must be chosen before entering third year, but may be chosen as early as the beginning of the first year.
- Olds College
Agriculture Management
Location: Olds
Duration: 2 year diploma
About: If you are looking for a career that will help you to feed, clothe, house or even fuel the world you’ve found the right place. This program will give you a comprehensive education that will allow you to work in production agriculture, agribusinesses, or businesses that process, market and distribute products from agriculture. You will gain skills in crops and livestock, finance, agri-business management, marketing and the latest technology so you can be successful in driving any area of agriculture forward.
Bachelor of Applied Science: Agribusiness
Location: Olds
Duration: 4 year program
About: The Bachelor of Applied Science degree, majoring in Agribusiness, is the only program of its kind in North America. You can earn while you learn to apply business skills to analyze, debate, and solve current agricultural industry challenges. Olds College is ideally located in the heart of agriculture in central Alberta, and has cultivated an impressive array of agriculture industry relationships.
Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Program
Location: Olds
Duration: 1 year for Certificate, 2 years for Diploma
About: If you want to get your hands on the newest and largest industry equipment in service come to Olds College. This comprehensive program will give you a thorough understanding of engines, hydraulics, braking, electrical, starting, charging, fuel systems and more. You will spend the first year covering all fundamentals before specializing in your second year with either agricultural or heavy equipment.
Agronomy Certificate
Location: Olds
Duration: 1 year program
About: This entry-level program answers the industry’s call for trained crop scouts possessing basic agronomic skills. You may have had previous post-secondary training but lack specific knowledge in agriculture, or you may have agricultural experience in another country but require specific training in Western Canadian farming practices.
Rural Finance and Entrepreneurship Certificate
Location: Olds
Duration: 1 year program
About: Rural Finance and Entrepreneurship Certificate has 4 required courses + 1 elective. Each course is 15 weeks in duration, and is entirely online. Courses are directly transferable into the Agricultural Management Diploma for gaining higher credentials and furthering your career in the agriculture industry.
- Grand Prairie Regional College
Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture
Location: Grand Prairie
Duration: 4 year program
About: With a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture you will be prepared for a range of careers which include: agricultural production; agricultural projects and initiatives involving environmental challenges; management with government and financial institutions; educational roles / technology transfer (district agriculturists, home economists, agricultural representatives); work with international businesses / government agencies; research and
development; and sales.
- Lakeland College
Agricultural Sciences
Location: Vermilion
Duration: 2 year diploma
About: Join the rich history of agricultural excellence at Lakeland College. Our roots go back to a demonstration farm in 1911 and our founding as Alberta’s first agricultural college in 1913.
Crops, livestock, small animals and business. You’ll live the learning in diverse settings from the field to the corral, small animal clinic to bull test station, dairy barn to riding arena. Just as there’s seldom a typical day on a farm, vet clinic or agribusiness, you’ll be challenged by the range of learning opportunities at Lakeland College.
There is classroom time, but there’s also time on the combine, in the calving barn, on a horse, in the small animal clinic operating room…list goes on. Decide on next year’s crop for the student managed farm. Go to industry meetings and conferences.
Agricultural Management
Location: Online
Duration: varies with course
About: Designed for both extension professionals and producers, a series of 4 online agricultural management courses can grow your knowledge and skills in integrated crop management, winter feeding and grazing management, nutrient management and extension program planning.
Saskatchewan
- University of Saskatchewan
Agribusiness
Location: Saskatoon
Duration: varies by program
About: Agribusiness is of local and global importance, encompassing a wide range of activities that contribute to our supply of food and natural fibres. Agribusiness comes into play at every stage in the food chain, from primary production, to the packaging of your favorite snack food. It is also a dynamic business that must respond to sweeping advances in technology, to major changes in trade and policy, and to an ever-changing, consumer-driven marketplace.
Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Minor
Location: Saskatoon
Duration: 18 credits
About: Students may take a minor. A minor consists of 18 credit units in a field of study outside the student’s major. At least 12 credit units in the minor must be courses that are not specifically listed as required in a student’s B.S.A. major or B.Sc.(Agbus.) degree program. The Agribusiness Entrepreneurship minor is available to students enrolled in both the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and the Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness degree programs.
Agricultural Biology
Location: Saskatoon
Duration: 4 year program
About: The Agricultural Biology program provides a comprehensive background in the life sciences and allows students to focus on particular areas relevant to agriculture, such as biotechnology, genetics and evolution, plant pathology, plant molecular biology and wildlife ecology, through selection of appropriate restricted and open electives.
Agricultural Economics
Location: Saskatoon
Duration: 4 year program
About: The objective of Agricultural Economics is to provide an understanding of current agricultural business, applied economic, social and environmental issues facing Saskatchewan and the world, and to look for practical solutions. Students can focus on a number of themes: resource and environmental management, food institutions and policy, the rural economy and agricultural business management, finance and marketing or they can customize their own program in applied economics and business through selection of appropriate restricted and open electives.
Agronomy
Location: Saskatoon
Duration: 2 year diploma, 4 year bachelor degree
About: Agronomy is one of the most diverse specializations in the B.S.A. degree program. Students incorporate courses from several disciplines and learn to approach agronomic issues from several different perspectives. Graduates acquire an understanding of the biological, ecological and economic principles of crop production and soil management, as well as an appreciation of the short and long term effects of agricultural production on the environment.
Crop Science
Location: Saskatoon
Duration: 4 year program
About: Feeding the ever increasing population of the world is a major challenge. Improved crops through plant breeding and better crop management are the keys to meeting this challenge. Students in the Crop Science major explore the theory and practice of plant breeding, genetics, crop physiology, crop quality and pest management leading to environmentally and economically sustainable production systems for the world’s major field crops. The major provides students with the basic science of crop improvement required to pursue a diverse range of careers throughout the world.
Field Crop Production Minor
Location: Saskatoon
Duration: 4 year program
About: Feeding the ever increasing population of the world is a major challenge. Improved crops through plant breeding and better crop management are the keys to meeting this challenge. Students in the Crop Science major explore the theory and practice of plant breeding, genetics, crop physiology, crop quality and pest management leading to environmentally and economically sustainable production systems for the world’s major field crops. The major provides students with the basic science of crop improvement required to pursue a diverse range of careers throughout the world.
Horticulture Science
Location: Saskatoon
Duration: 18 credits, in addition to a degree program
About: The Field Crop Production minor is an approved minor field of study in the B.S.A. degree and the B.Sc.(Agbus.) Honours and B.Sc.(Agbus.) degrees. A minor consists of 18 credit units in a field of study outside the student’s major. At least 12 credit units in the minor must be courses that are not specifically listed as required in a student’s major.
Prairie Horticulture Certificate
Location: Saskatoon
Duration: varies by course
About:
- Designed for both professionals working in the horticulture industry and gardening enthusiasts.
- It is the first home study program horticulture program designed specifically for the Prairie Provinces.
Rangeland Resources
Location: Saskatoon
Duration: 18 credit minor
About: The Rangeland Resources minor is an approved minor field of study in the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.S.A.) degree and the Bachelor of Science in Renewable Resource Management [B.Sc.(R.R.M.)] degree. A minor consists of 18 credit units in a field of study outside the student’s major. At least 12 credit units in the minor must be courses that are not specifically listed as required in a student’s major.
Soil Science
Location: Saskatoon
Duration: 4 year program
About:
The Soil Science program provides students with an in-depth understanding of the physical, biological and chemical processes that occur in the soil, its role in plant production, and the importance of environmental management for its conservation.
Graduates of related diploma programs may be eligible to receive up to two years block transfer credit into the Soil Science field of study. Students transferring under an articulation agreement, or who have been granted block transfer credit are required to take a prescribed set of courses. For additional information, or to determine eligibility for block transfer, contact the Coordinator of Student Services in the Dean’s Office, College of Agriculture and Bioresources.
- University of Regina
Pre-Agriculture and Bioresources
Location: Regina
Duration: 1 year
About: The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan is a four-year program, of which the first year may be completed at the University of Regina. Students will apply to the University of Saskatchewan for admission to the College of Agriculture per University of Saskatchewan regulations and the applicable deadline dates during their first year. The courses completed at the University of Regina as part of this program can be used toward a variety of degree programs at the University of Regina.
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Agricultural Machinery Technician Certificate
Location: Saskatoon
Duration: 1 year program
About:
Agricultural Machinery Technicians diagnose, repair, modify, overhaul, service and maintain some of today’s most technologically advanced machines—tractors, combines, cultivators, seeders, sprayers. If you like working with ag equipment and troubleshooting mechanical problems, it’s a great career choice.
You’ll find your skills are in demand at leading equipment dealerships. You might work as a technician in a fully-equipped service centre or travel to farms and rural areas on service calls. You can also transfer your skills to other industries, such as mining and construction.
Pesticide Applicator Certification Program
Location: Regina
Duration: 15 credit hours within 5 years
About: The Pesticide Applicator Certification Program is a collaborative effort between the Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.
- Parkland College
Agriculture Operator
Location: Yorkton
Duration: varies by course
About: Parkland College and Lakeland College in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture have designed a pilot program to prepare students with little or no agricultural experience to work on grain farms in Saskatchewan. Students must have a current Saskatchewan class 5 driver’s license and should have a basic knowledge of computer use.
Agriculture and Bioresources
Location: Yorkton
Duration: 1 year
About:
The University of Saskatchewan offers a direct-entry four-year program in Agriculture & Bioresources, leading to three different degrees including a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, or the Bachelor of Science in Renewable Resource Management.
Applicants wishing to enter the College of Agriculture & Bioresources can take their first year of Agriculture at Parkland College.
Manitoba
- University of Manitoba
Agribusiness – Master of Science
Agribusiness – Bachelor of Science
Agriculture Diploma
Location: Winnipeg
Duration: varies by program
About: A highlight of the Faculty Agribusiness Program is the ongoing development of international exchange programs, which provide opportunities for students to take a semester of study at a university outside Canada, and transfer credit for approved courses to their programs at the University of Manitoba. During such exchanges students remain registered, and pay current tuition, at the University of Manitoba.
- Red River College
Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic
Location: Winnipeg
Duration: 1 year program
About: This is an entry-level program that develops the basic knowledge and skills you need to perform routine maintenance and repairs to vehicle systems and components. The program is designed to prepare you to adjust, service, and repair a variety of heavy mobile equipment, usually diesel powered, used in construction, agriculture, or highway transportation. The work will involve basic servicing to engines and related equipment, and performing repairs. This will include transmission servicing, hydraulic/air brakes, and basic electrical in heavy duty application.
- Assiniboine College
Agricultural Equipment Technician Apprenticeship
Location: Brandon
Duration: 1 year program
About: An agricultural equipment technician is certified to service, repair, assemble and maintain any agricultural equipment and attachments used for farming operations.
Pesticide Certification
Location: Online
Duration: 10 week program
About: This program provides training for people requiring Manitoba Pesticide Applicator and/or Dispenser Certification. Also included is the Aerial Recertification course for individuals wishing to acquire credit towards recertification.
Prairie Horticulture
Location: Brandon
Duration: 10 week program
About: The Prairie Horticulture Certificate program offers, via distance delivery, courses designed with Prairie Canada conditions in mind.
Sustainable Food Systems
Location: Brandon
Duration: 1 year program
About: The advanced diploma in Sustainable Food Systems emphasizes innovation in food production and post-harvest management in the context of enhancing food security.
Ontario
- University of Guelph
Agricultural Business
Location: Guelph
Duration: 4 year programs
About: The Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (FARE) is pleased to offer undergraduate majors in three areas: Food and Agricultural Business; Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics; and Environmental Economics and Policy.
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with Major in Organic Agriculture
Location: Guelph
Duration: 4 year program
About: The Organic Agriculture major offers students an integrated approach to learning in the rapidly expanding world of organic agriculture. Courses encompass food production, food security, organic processing and marketing, environmental health and rural community sustainability. How various factors influence one another is considered in the design and operation of crop and livestock production systems that are socially responsible, ecologically sound, agronomically feasible and economically sustainable.
Associate Diploma in Agriculture program
Location: Guelph
Duration: 2 year program
About: This program provides a practical, skills-oriented approach to agricultural production systems and affords its students an opportunity to improve their business and managerial skills. Diploma in Agriculture students integrate practical experience in agricultural production with the technical and scientific information that is required to successfully operate modern food production enterprises. Business management, computer skills, and problem solving activities provide students with the abilities they require as self-employed managers of production systems, and as technical/sales employees of agri-business firms, commodity boards, and other agencies related to the agri-food system.
- Mohawk College
Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship
Location: Hamilton
Duration: 1 year program
About:
- Acquire training in safe workplace practices including dealing with on-site conditions, emergencies and hazards, according to federal and provincial pertinent safety legislation and municipal legal requirements
- Learn basic scheduled, preventative and on-going maintenance procedures for powered horticultural equipment, according to respective federal, provincial and municipal legal requirements
- Learn water quality, plant water requirements and local conservation standards, water stewardship principles, basic irrigation systems and procedures according to federal, provincial and municipal legal requirements
- Acquire specialized training in turf grass establishment and cultivation practices including monitoring turf grass quality, plant health care, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques used in landscape construction (Softscape Installation), and grounds/golf course maintenance operations, according to respective federal, provincial, and municipal legal requirements
- Algonquiin College
Horticultural Industries
Location: Ottawa
Duration: 2 year program
About: The Horticultural Industries program at Algonquin College is designed for individuals who are interested in landscape design from conception to implementation. Students learn key aspects of the evolving horticultural industries including sustainable urban agriculture, green roof and living wall technology, nursery production and management and urban and rural landscape design, installation and maintenance.
- Fleming College
Pest Management Techniques
Location: Lindsay
Duration: 15 week first semester, 16 week co-op semester, and a 10 week final semester
About:
The Structural Pest Management Association of Ontario fully supports this program and is assisting with planning and certification modules that are included within the curriculum.
- Industry partners have offered to hire students for co-operative education terms, and to provide venues for field trips in a variety of industries, as well as some equipment.
- The required content to fulfill provincial licensing requirements will be taught so that students will be eligible to write their first examination to enable them to participate in their co-op.
- At the end of the program, students will be prepared to write the licensed exterminator examination to be fully qualified for employment in this field.
Sustainable Agriculture Co-Op
Location: Peterborough
Duration: 21 week on farm co-op
About: The Sustainable Agriculture program is designed for new and beginner farmers seeking an intensive, applied learning experience in sustainable, ecological or natural farming methods.
- Trent University
Bachelor of Arts or Science in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
Location: Peterborough
Duration: 4 years
About: Our Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Program examines each of the links between farm and table, and their implications for people, the economy, and the planet. You will learn about the challenges and benefits of producing and distributing healthy, affordable food in sustainable ways, while preparing for a career in which you can really effect change.
- Seneca College
Sustainable Local Food Certificate
Location: Online
Duration: 6 courses
About: This on-line certificate explores the practices, principles and philosophies involved in local food system development. The focus is on increasing both academic and hands-on knowledge of regional food initiatives across Canada, alongside international best practices. There is a specific concentration on applied learning, online networking, and community research. This certificate is the first of its kind in Canada, providing a cutting edge advantage when competing for work in the sustainable local food sector.
- Durham College
Horticulture – Food and Farming
Location: Whitby
Duration: 4 semesters
About: The Food and Farming program will offer you a hands-on opportunity to become familiar with the concepts of food production.
- You will focus on:
- Plant propagation
- Soil and plant nutrition
- Fruit and vegetable production under field, greenhouse, garden and container conditions
- Product development
- Food processing including niche processing of local foods
- Food and agriculture regulations
- Disease and pest management
- Business practices including product branding, entrepreneurship and marketing.
- Conestoga College
Sustainable Local Food
Location: Kitchener
Duration: Part-time (must be completed within 4 years)
About: This online program, participants explore the practices, principles and philosophies involved in local food system development. The focus is on increasing both academic and hands-on knowledge of regional food initiatives across Canada, alongside international historical practices and current standards. There is a specific concentration on applied learning, online networking, and community research.
- St. Lawrence College
Sustainable Local Food
Location: Online
Duration: 6 course program (Part-time)
About: This certificate explores the practices, principles and philosophies involved in local food system development. The focus is on increasing both academic and hands-on knowledge of regional food initiatives across Canada, alongside international best practices. There is a specific concentration on applied learning, online networking, and community research. This certificate is the first of its kind in Canada, providing a cutting edge advantage when competing for work in the sustainable local food sector.
Quebec
- McGill University
Agricultural Production Minor
Location: Montreal
Duration: 24 credits
About: This minor program is designed to allow students in non-agricultural production Majors to receive credit for courses in agricultural production and to stimulate “crossover” studies. The Minor can be associated with existing Major programs in the Faculty, but in some instances it may require more than 90 credits to meet the requirements of both the Major and the Minor.
Agricultural Sciences
Location: Montreal
Duration: 4 year programs
About: Various majors, including: Agricultural Economics, Life Sciences, Agro-Environmental Sciences and more.
Farm Management and Technology
Location: Montreal
Duration: 3 year program
About: The Farm Management and Technology (FMT) Program is a 3-year academic and practical college program offered on the Macdonald Campus, and taught by the staff of the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences of McGill University. The FMT program is funded by the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec and authorized by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, Recherche et Science.
International Agriculture Specialization
Location: Montreal
Duration: 24 credits
About: Students enter this specialization to acquire a global and applied understanding of agriculture as a fundamental tool to help rural development, alleviate poverty and reach food security, especially in the developing world. This program provides students with a combination of coursework at McGill together with a hands-on experience in a developing country, meeting locals and attending courses with McGill professors and/or local instructors. The costs of these field experiences may vary. The field experience (semester, short course or internship) includes developing projects in local communities, observing subsistence agriculture in situ and participating in various activities which contribute to sensitize the students to the challenges that developing countries face. Students study water resources, sustainable development, nutrition, planning and development, and a host of other fascinating topics, allowing them to sharpen their skills for future career opportunities.
Ecological Agriculture Specialization
http://www.mcgill.ca/macdonald/prospective/degrees/bscagenvsc/specializations/ecolagrLocation: Montreal
Duration: Must be taken with a degree program
About: The Ecological Agriculture specialization provides a holistic understanding of how agroecosystems work and the science of sustainable agriculture. It emphasizes the interrelationships among soils, plants, insects, animals, humans and other components of agroecosystems. As well the specialization applies ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agroecosystems.
- Specialization can be taken with one of the following majors:
- Agro-Environmental Sciences;
- International Agriculture and Food Systems
- Universite Laval
Agriculture and Food Sciences
Location: Quebec City
Duration: varies by program
About: The Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences offers seven bachelor’s programs, six of which are the only French-language programs of their kind in North America. These include bachelor’s degrees in agronomy, agri-food economics and management, agroenvironmental engineering, food engineering, consumer sciences, and food technology, as well as nutrition.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Agricultural College
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business
Location: Halifax
Duration: 4 year program
About: Business practices touch so many areas of our world today and this unique program offers graduates a very important edge in our marketplace. This is where science and management practices converge to solve problems and capture economics opportunities in our natural world. This unique program means you don’t have to choose between science business – you can do both.
In four years you get a well-rounded education in both science and business practice. You get the hands-on scientific education that sets NSAC apart from other science universities. You also develop the skills to prepare you for a business career where problem-solving and decision-making are critical.
Graduates of this program meet the formal requirements for Professional Agrologists in the provincial Institutes of Agrologists of the Atlantic Provinces.
Agricultural Economics
Location: Halifax
Duration: 4 year program
About:
Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture at the Agricultural Campus in Truro, NS, offers award-winning faculty and leading researchers who guide students through a program that blends science and business, and small class sizes that offer individual attention and lively debate with classmates.
In this intimate learning environment, you’ll learn to see issues from a global perspectiveand develop the leadership skills to succeed in fields including—but not limited to— the agri-food sector.
Bachelor of Agriculture International Food Business
Location: Halifax
Duration: 4 year program
About: This four-year “dual degree” program emphasizes its international focus by beginning with a one-week orientation in Iceland, where European and North American students get to know one another while exploring the Icelandic food industry. This unique program will appeal to students who enjoy studying independently, have an interest in business and are keen to explore the world.
Business Management Diploma in Dairy Farming
Location: Halifax
Duration: 2 year diploma
About: The Diploma in Business Management program offered at the Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture in Truro brings you closer to a future in an animal or plant-related industry. Working in and out of the classroom, you’ll acquire business skills like accounting, writing and decision-making, while exploring topics relevant to one of the following four specialties:
- Dairy Farming
- Equine
- Agriculture
- Greenhouse and Nursery
Business Management in Agriculture Diploma
Location: Halifax
Duration: 2 year diploma
About: From the science of animals to the business of agriculture, the Agriculture specialty covers the information you need for a future in farm management, agricultural operations and agriculture-related sales and service. You’ll develop the business skills and scientific knowledge required to manage a farm or find other rewarding careers in agricultural business.
Business Management Diploma in Greenhouse and Nursery
Location: Halifax
Duration: 2 year diploma
About: Move closer to a future in a plant-related field by choosing the Greenhouse and Nurseryspecialty. You’ll find out how to grow and manage plants, as well as prepare to contributeto the management of a plant-based business.
Along with classroom work, your education includes a practical internship that gives you first-hand experience in your field.
Certificate of Specialization in Organic Agriculture
Location: Online
Duration: Must be taken with a degree program
About: Get a head start on an agricultural degree with the Certificate of Specialization in Organic Agriculture. You’ll have the opportunity to specialize in the expanding area of organic agriculture.
There are also opportunities for self-employment on smaller farms that might not be profitable under conventional production.
Courses include:
- Transition to Organic Agriculture – addresses the steps involved in becoming part of the organic industry in Canada
- Composting and Compost Use – teach composting by providing students with the opportunity to make their own compost
- Organic Crop Production on the Prairies – contains six modules that address optimum organic crop production for prairie farmers
- And many more!
Yukon
- Yukon College
Yukon Master Gardener
Location: Whitehorse
Duration: varies by course
About: Yukon Master Gardener is a standardized course used throughout North America that focuses on building gardening expertise. The Yukon course provides northern examples with a focus on management that is effective for cold climates. A series of instructors deliver the course, giving you a broad background in plant botany, physiology, taxonomy, soils, compost, outdoor gardening, greenhouse management, lawn care, houseplants, pests and pest control, medicinal plants, woody perennials and ornamental horticulture.
Link photo courtesy of Enokson
FarmOn was priveleged to be invited out to Sunrise Farm to speak with Don Ruzicka and see his family’s amazing 3rd generation mixed farm operation near Killam, Alberta. From pastured pork to grass fed beef and portable chicken coops, Sunrise Farm is producing some amazing, quality food for local consumers. They’re also deeply committed to caring for the environment, rehabilitating riparian wetland areas, and planting trees and bushes that attract beneficial species and increase biodiversity.
