Farming Fundamentals

Micro-credential certificate suite

Interested in farming, market gardening or home-based growing? Expand your understanding of the science, principles and practices that inform sustainable, regenerative and agro-ecological farming. 

Piloting on Vancouver Island

This new suite of certificates will start in Fall 2024. Developed and delivered with regional colleges and small universities in BC. More certificates are being planned.

What to expect 

Each certificate is 7 to 10 weeks long and includes:

• weekly online classes 
• guest speakers
• take-home reading
• exercises
• in-person field days  

Courses

Sustainable Soils Management: Surviving to Thriving

September 10 to October 22, 2024
Explore the science of soil. Develop an understanding of soil as a complex community of living beings. Learn about the physical, chemical, biological and social environments of soil. Understand how communities of plants, animals and other biological beings in the soil can thrive or be regenerated with soil amendment practices. 

Learn more about Sustaining Soils Management: Surviving to Thriving.

Our 2024 class is now full. Please email PDTagriculture@viu.ca to be added to our interest list.

Agroecology: Perspectives, Principles, and Practices  

November 5 to December 17, 2024
Get an introduction to the art and the sciences that shape agro-ecological principles and practices. Explores ecological and farm biodiversity, climate-adaptation and ecosystem restoration strategies. This course invites a holistic, Two-Eyed Seeing perspective on the ecological, social, and economic impacts and benefits of contemporary and traditional land management. 

Learn more about Agroecology: Perspectives, Principles, and Practices.

How to sign up

When you register, the course will be listed as full. You will be invited to join the waitlist at no charge. There is likely room in the course. We have set the system to create a waitlist so you can use the StrongerBC future skills grant to pay for the course if you're eligible.
Register for Agroecology

Seed Security: Organic Vegetable Seed Production        

January 7 to March 11, 2025
Gain an understanding of the science of organic seed production for vegetables. Explore the current regulatory and policy environments in Canada that impact seed saving and seed sovereignty.  
This national initiative is a refresh of the Organic Vegetable Seed Production course developed with Canadian Organic Growers and SeedChange Canada.  

Learn more about Seed Security: Organic Vegetable Seed Production.

How to sign up

When you register, the course will be listed as full. You will be invited to join the waitlist at no charge. There is likely room in the course. We have set the system to create a waitlist so you can use the StrongerBC future skills grant to pay for the course if you are eligible. 
Register for Seed Security