Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture Co-op
Start Dates:
September 2021
The Sustainable Agriculture program is designed for new farmers seeking an intensive, applied learning experience in sustainable, ecological or natural farming methods.
Please note: Students pay tuition and fees for 2 semesters (Semesters 1 and 2 when courses are based on-campus). Students pay a co-op fee of approximately $558.00 for the co-op semester during the summer.
Program Highlights
Throughout the Sustainable Agriculture program you will:
- Learn from experienced farmers and practitioners in class, on farm field days, and during panel discussions.
- Develop your own business case and farm plan.
- Focus on the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture and small farm operations and viability.
- Enjoy a highly interactive learning environment.
Farming practices in the program are based on the principles of environmental stewardship, farmer profitability, social responsibility and community health.
Co-op Experience
The 16-week, on-farm, co-op experience over the summer creates opportunities for specialization. Previous co-ops have included national and international farm locations as well as work with urban food advocacy groups and farmers.
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 are eligible to apply for Fleming College scholarships and bursaries.
Career Opportunities
Graduates have started their own small-scale farm operations, are working for not for profit farm organizations, and managing farmers' markets. Other opportunities include: promoting agri-tourism and local food, coordinating community gardens, and managing farm-to-school programs.
Graduate Success
Read a recent article about two graduates who launched their own organic farm.
Minimum Admission Requirements
Students applying to Sustainable Agriculture Co-op must meet the following requirements:
- Ontario College Diploma or two years of University level undergraduate study or equivalent
Applicants who do not meet the requirements listed above who possess a combination of education and relevant experience may be considered on an individual basis.
Tuition and Fees Detail
Tuition and ancillary fees are subject to change without notice. The fees presented below reflect Fall start programs only for the current academic year. For details about the fee differences for other program start dates please refer to the Tuition and Fees Details Chart below.
View complete tuition and fees details
Domestic Students
| Semester 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic Supports | $28.44 |
| Alumni Fee | $15.20 |
| Athletics and Recreation | $8.29 |
| Career Services | $13.97 |
| College Student Alliance Fee | $5.40 |
| Frost Recreation Building Fund | $15.30 |
| Health & Counselling | $64.15 |
| Health Plan | $290.00 |
| Information Technology Fee | $103.85 |
| Student Achievement & Records | $12.02 |
| Student Association Governance | $25.75 |
| Student Association Student Experience | $17.74 |
| Student Association Transition Fee | $2.55 |
| Student Building Fee | $58.86 |
| Student Building Fund | $41.47 |
| Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
| Sustainable Agriculture Supplies | $6.00 |
| Tuition | $1,989.53 |
| Total | $2,708.52 |
International Students
| Semester 1 | Amount |
|---|---|
| Academic Supports | $28.44 |
| Alumni Fee | $15.20 |
| Athletics and Recreation | $8.29 |
| Career Services | $13.97 |
| College Student Alliance Fee | $5.40 |
| Frost Recreation Building Fund | $15.30 |
| Health & Counselling | $64.15 |
| Information Technology Fee | $103.85 |
| International Health Plan | $704.58 |
| Student Achievement & Records | $12.02 |
| Student Association Governance | $25.75 |
| Student Association Student Experience | $17.74 |
| Student Association Transition Fee | $2.55 |
| Student Building Fee | $58.86 |
| Student Building Fund | $41.47 |
| Student One Card Fee | $10.00 |
| Sustainable Agriculture Supplies | $6.00 |
| Tuition | $7,787.70 |
| Total | $8,921.27 |
The fees above are for the current academic year for international students. Please note that the fees reflect the Health Plan and Integrated Transportation (Sutherland Programs only) charges for the fall entry point. These charges are applied up front and provide service coverage for a full year September to August. The charges for the winter and spring terms are as follows:
| Health Plan | Intergrated Transportation | Coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | $645.82 | $255.50 | January to August |
| Spring | $263.60 | $142.35 | May to August |
Last Revised: