Fleming College: Experience More

Please note: Total program tuition and fees are approximately $6494.00 (tuition and fees for 2 semesters of study, plus a $450.00 co-op fee).

Program Highlights

This three-semester program is designed for new and beginner farmers seeking an intensive, applied learning experience in sustainable, ecological or natural farming methods. Farming practices in this 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. An 18-week summer co-op experience creates further opportunities for specialization.

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.  

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 an equivalency (e.g. two years of university level graduate study, a combination of work experience, formal and informal education and / or service learning such as international work).

You apply to this program through ontariocolleges.ca

You should also read the information on How To Apply

Curriculum for this course is temporarily unavailable.