KPU Farm Schools consist of Tsawwassen First Nation and Richmond Farm School. Each offer a distinct 7-8 month program that provides students with a strong foundation in the principals and practices of regenerative farming. These programs focus on hands on, experiential learning alongside industry professionals, supported by classroom learning to prepare students for a career in the industry.
Apply Now for our 2023 Programs!
CLICK HERE to complete our online application form
Application Process:
- October - We will reach out with next steps
- November - Interview process begins
- December - Cohort finalized
- January - Full tuition payment due
- March/April - Program start date
Which farm school is right for you?
Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School (established in 2015)
The Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School (TFNFS) is a partnership between KPU and the Tsawwassen First Nation and is an immersion into integrated vegetable and livestock farming. The program incorporates a diversity of topics centered around regenerative agriculture including an Indigenous food systems perspective. Our certified organic farm is both an educational and working farm that sells its products through various Vancouver Farmers Markets, restaurants and a 100+ member CSA produce box program - all of which is supplied with veggies grown by our students!
Key aspects:
- 7 months, 3-4 days per week
- April through October
- 350 hours of field-based learning and 250 hours of classroom learning
- 20-acre site with - vegetable, livestock and perennial crop production and incubator plots
- Certified organic production farm selling vegetables, fruit, eggs and meat to the local community
- Medium-scale production (incorporates both mechanical and hand-scale techniques)
- Incorporates an Indigenous perspective to food systems
- Multiple 1/4 and 1/2 acre plots are reserved for Incubator farmers after graduation
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TSAWWASSEN FIRST NATION FARM SCHOOL
Richmond Farm School (established in 2010)
The Richmond Farm School (RFS) is located on city owned agriculture land and focuses on semi-urban, regenerative farming - small-scale, intensive, high value, and cost-effective crop production with minimal infrastructure and capital investment. Classes cover a variety of topics from soil science to pest management and are taught by a diverse group of teachers who are experts in their field. It is both an educational and working farm, working with local business and running a weekly farmers market to give students a well-rounded education and introduction into the sector.
Key aspects:
- 8 months, 1 day per week March through October
- 250 hours of experiential field-based learning, supplemented with classroom learning
- 6-acre site showcasing small-scale, high value, intensive vegetable, herb and cut flower production
- Multiple 1/4 acre, 50'x50' and 25'x25' plots are reserved for Incubator farmers after graduation
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RICHMOND FARM SCHOOL
Have questions? Please email us at farmschools@kpu.ca
Follow us on social media!
