Richmond Farm School
The Richmond Farm School, operated by the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) at KPU, aims to inspire community-focused, small-scale organic, regenerative agriculture through knowledge mobilization and hands-on training.
We strive to empower individuals to take their first step towards growing their own food and becoming farmers while positively contributing to the robust regional food systems. The KPU Richmond Farm School takes place at the 8-acre KPU Research and Teaching Farm on the Garden City Lands (just 250 meters east of KPU's Richmond campus) and operates on the 1/4 acre of land to provide participants the opportunity to engage in learning about small-scale organic vegetable production. This scale of vegetable production encourages intensive management, quick turn-around of crops, and low capital investments.
This 8-month In-Person Farmer Training Program at Richmond Farm School offers hands-on training supplemented with weekly theoretical discussions. It will be a great time to learn about all different kinds of crops, taste the freshness of newly harvested vegetables, get connected to the land, socialize with people in a safe and appreciative atmosphere, and build a community supporting the sustainability of our local food systems.
In 2026, we also introduced the ONLINE Program for people across BC, Canada, or even around the world to get together to get the same expert instruction, build a supportive community, and learn essential knowledge entirely online.
Immerse yourself in the Richmond Farm School and learn everything from soil health, plant life cycles, organic vegetable production, basic marketing principles, to ergonomic small-scale farming practices
Participants will also have the opportunity to collaborate with KPU Farm operated by KPU Sustainable Agricutlure in order to experience large-scale infrastructure, certified organic practices, and engage with other farms operated by KPU.
Testimonials from Past Participants
- “After reading about the focused, intensive training and continued business support after the program, I joined as soon as I could.”
- “I couldn't believe the number of things I learned just by working with so many different people”
- "One of the things I enjoyed most was connecting classroom knowledge directly to hands-on work in the fields. It showed me how important and fulfilling it is to grow food while being part of a community that cares about the future."
- “As a migrant to Canada and a professional with a degree in computer science, choosing to join the KPU Farm School was a very meaningful step for me. Beyond the farming skills, this experience has helped me grow in my spiritual journey and strengthen my emotional health. Working with the land and with others who share the same passion has been truly rewarding."
- "Joining the KPU Farm School has been such a meaningful and life-changing experience for me. My dream has always been to grow organic food to sustain my family and share with my community, and this program gave me the knowledge and confidence to begin that journey. I especially loved the hands-on learning—understanding climate zones and growing seasons, preparing and testing the soil, and managing pests and weeds, among so many other valuable skills. Standing in the garden with my classmates, harvesting what we planted, filled me with pride and hope for the future."
Full Press Release - KPU Farm School participants recognized with Garden Club awards
Learn about the Richmond Farm School program details - click here!
Have a glimpse of our wonderful Farm School experience on social media!
