The three-semester Sustainable Agriculture program is designed for new and beginner farmers seeking an intensive, applied learning experience in sustainable, ecological or natural farming methods.
Program Highlights
Farming practices in the Sustainable Agriculture program are based on the principles of environmental stewardship, farmer profitability, social responsibility and community health.
Following the progression of the farm year, course work will focus on the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture, small farm operations and viability, and the exploration of new and expanding niche markets. You will also examine strategies for direct marketing and new farm business models. The culmination of this learning is the development of your own business case and farm plan. With experienced farmers and practitioners as your guides, the program is enriched by farm field days, site visits, community-based learning activities and excellent resource materials.
Co-op Experience
The 18-week, on-farm, co-op experience over the summer creates further opportunities for specialization.
Please note: Students pay tuition and fees for 2 semesters of study, plus a co-op fee of approximately $468.00 for administrative costs associated with the co-op placement.
Completion of the Sustainable Agriculture program will enable you to:
- Develop a personal philosophy and approach to sustainable farming, using knowledge of historic and contemporary farm practices, food culture and systems.
- Protect and renew soil fertility and health through use of composts, green manures, cover crops, rotation, tillage and soil testing and amendments.
- Develop crop plans and rotations to meet small-scale through field-scale production needs.
- Manage a small-scale market garden and / or greenhouse operation from seed starts through harvest.
- Integrate natural biological cycles and controls in managing plant pathogens, weeds, insect pests and parasites.
- Assess the merits and viability of integrating small-scale livestock production and heritage breeds in the mixed farm operation and manage their husbandry and welfare.
- Plan for, problem-solve and manage the day-to-day events and operations of the farm enterprise, including maintenance and repair, economy in use of resources, development of on-farm systems, animal and crop husbandry and farm labour.
- Meet optimal standards of food safety including handling, cleaning, processing, preserving and storage.
- Develop a viable business case, business plan, and direct marketing strategies to support a non-capital intensive, sustainable farm enterprise.
- Plan for and manage the day to day business operations of the farm enterprise in order to create a dependable farm income.
- Develop an integrated farm plan that accounts for ecological farm practices, environmental protection, biodiversity and wildlife preservation.
- Develop an approach to whole farm thinking that optimizes the management and use of on-farm resources, and reduces the use of non-renewable resources and purchased production inputs.
Financial Aid
Students taking the Sustainable Agriculture program may be eligible to apply for special funding through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and Agriculture Canada. Fleming's Sustainable Agriculture program has been recognized as a training opportunity eligible for cost-share funding.
The program is delivered by Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) on behalf of OMAFRA. New farmers can receive up to 75% of their tuition, textbook and travel expenses to a maximum of $4,500, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. Applicants must complete a Growing Your Farm Profits Workshop, have their action plan reviewed by their workshop leader, and have a Farm Business Registration Number or equivalent. The Growing Forward Business Development for Farm Businesses Program Guide is available at: www.ontariosoilcrop.org/docs/bdfbprogramguide-en.pdf
Career Opportunities
Options for employment are diverse. Graduates might start their own small-scale farm operation, or Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program; manage a market garden or farmer’s market; promote agri-tourism and local food; or co-ordinate an urban or community garden, or a farm-to-school program.
Minimum Admission Requirements
- A two-year Ontario College diploma
- Or two years of university level undergraduate study
- Or a combination of farm-related work experience, formal and informal education and / or service learning such as international work
You apply to this program through ontariocolleges.ca
To hear an interview with program developer Helen Knibb, go to:
Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on our website and in our publications. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time.