Regenerative Farming

Put down roots in the growing field of sustainable agriculture and mixed farming. The Regenerative Farming program covers the main theories, concepts and practices of market garden agriculture. Industry experts will guide you through a curriculum that includes greenhouse propagation, soil and plant science, weed and pest control and irrigation technologies, orchard/perennial management, certified organic standards, food security, seed saving and elements of carpentry. Students will also develop essential business management and marketing skills, as well as crop planning, and budgeting.

This program is currently not available to international applicants.

Starts: Winter 2025

Length: 5 months

Delivery: In person

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The small scale sustainable farming program is a well-rounded experience that I would recommend for anyone with a genuine interest in sustainable agriculture. Our instructor Dave and his family have endless knowledge in all aspects of agriculture, we were lucky to spend the hands-on time with them. With so many ventures going on at Lentelus Farms, it is the ideal setting for anyone who wants to get to know the realities of farming. This course has a lot to offer and I look forward to expanding my knowledge and implementing what I learned here for my own future in farming.

Kaila Rain Storring, NIC Small Scale Sustainable Farming graduate and sustainable farming advocate

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RGF 010 Practical Science for Regenerative Agriculture
RGF 011 On-farm regulations and safety protocols
RGF 012 Systems for Annual Vegetable Production
RGF 013 Regenerative Agricultural Systems
RFG 014 Farming Boot Camp
RGF 015 Farming Practicum
FAC 020 Emergency First Aid *
TFS 010 FoodSafe Course *
MVO 071 Transportation of Dangerous Goods ONLINE *
WSF 019 WHMIS ONLINE *

* Note: TFS-010, WSF-019, MVO-071, and OFA-010/FAC-020 must be completed in the first month of the program.

Completion Requirements

Students must successfully complete each core course and all mandatory safety training courses required within the program.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students should be able to lift up to 20 kilograms. General physical fitness and the ability to use hand tools for extended periods of time — such as garden hoes, weeding tools and shovels — are also requirements.

How to Apply

Complete the Continuing Education Application for Admission. Forms can be dropped off or mailed to the Student Services office at your local campus. If you have questions, please call or email Susan Murray 250-334-5092 or susan.murray@nic.bc.ca.

Accessible Learning

Making education accessible for those with a documented disability is a key priority for NIC. We offer a wide range of services, supports and resources for students. For more information visit: Accessible Learning Services.

Program Highlights

Taught by experienced organic farmers and horticulturalists, this program is designed to familiarize students with the main theories, concepts and practices of small-scale mixed farming. You’ll learn in greenhouse propagation, mixed livestock, farm equipment operation, sustainability, climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as market garden production.

Students will also develop business management skills, marketing skills as well as crop planning, and budgeting.

Career Opportunities

With the cost of produce from California continually increasing and a growing awareness of the environmental costs associated with trucking and transportation, there is a huge opportunity for market gardening to expand in the Comox Valley and beyond. This expansion will require trained gardeners to work on the farms and to own and operate market gardens.

Schedule

This program is offered Tuesday - Thursday during the day time at Lentelus Farms. The first aid and FoodSafe training will be held outside of these days.

Supply list

Please come to the first day of class with comfortable clothes and shoes and be prepared to work outside.