In light of the recent University and government policies regarding COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all farm school programming for the 2020 season. This decision was not taken lightly. However, we feel it is the right decision to ensure the health and safety of our community at this time. We will continue to operate the farm at full production to provide food to those who need it. We remain committed to our community's education and are working hard to figure out how to support our community of food growers, learners and teachers during these unprecedented times.
Thank you for all the support this year and we aim to run the program again in the 2021 season.
What is Farm School?
The Farm Schools are 7-month long experiential agriculture education programs focused on preparing new-entrant farmers to enter the sustainable agriculture industry. Through a combination of classroom and field-based learning, you will take your first steps into this exciting career, gain essential farming skills while networking with our vibrant local agricultural community.
The programs prepare people from all backgrounds to pursue a career in farming, and as such have no application requirements or prerequisites. Farm schools are for novice farmers, backyard growers, gardeners, and folks who have never planted a seed before. Whether you want to become a farmer, or simply want to learn more about growing food, farm school will give you the knowledge to grow confidently.
Make this your year of change by enrolling in one of our farm school programs:
- Richmond Farm School - located in South Richmond, at the intersection of Gilbert Rd. and Dyke Rd. (established in 2010)
- Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School - located in Tsawwassen and offered in partnership with Tsawwassen First Nation (established in 2015)
Which farm school is right for you?
Tsawwassen:
The Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School is a partnership between KPU and Tsawwassen First Nation. The Tsawwassen Farm School is a 11-acre working farm integrating mixed vegetable production, an orchard and livestock production. This 3-4 day a week, Wednesday to Friday program, is an intensive immersion into high production farming and focuses on a diversity of topics and specialties. TFS is both an educational and working farm. The farm direct markets its products weekly at Vancouver Farmers Markets, Vancouver restaurants and through a 100+ member CSA box program.
Key aspects:
- 3-4 days per week
- Medium-scale production
- Market garden
- Orchard
- Livestock: pigs and chickens
- 11-acre working farm
- 350 hours field-based practicum
- 250 hours of classroom learning
- Incorporates agriculture knowledge with an Indigenous perspective
Richmond:
The Richmond Farm School is located in the City of Richmond on a small parcel of municipal land. This program teaches small-scale, intensive, high value crop production in a semi-urban setting. Classes are one day a week on Saturdays from 9am-4pm. The program teaches small-scale production on plots ranging from 1/4 -1/2 acre. Production is focused on vegetables that are high in demand and value, have a quick turn around and are relatively easy to manage. The program teaches efficient and cost-effective production with minimal infrastructure and capital investment.
Key aspects:
- 1 day per week
- Small-scale, intensive vegetable production
- 1/4 - 1/2 acre plots
- Lean urban farming
- 250 hours of field and classroom learning
Visit the individual program pages for more information