Whichever path you choose—online or on the land—you’ll gain the knowledge, confidence, and community to help you grow.
🌐 ONLINE PROGRAM - Learn from Anywhere ✨
- Get the same expert instruction, supportive community, and essential knowledge—delivered entirely online
- Start Date - First or second Tuesday of March from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm (PST) on Zoom
- End Date - End of October/early November
- Schedule: every Tuesday, 6:30 pm -8:30 pm, PST (Regular Online)/ Every other Thursday, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, PST (Optional for Q&A)
- Total online program fee: $1,850 (plus 5% GST) - $500 deposit inclusive
- Non-refundable deposit: $500 (plus 5% GST) - due upon acceptance to the program
📍In-Person 8-Month Farmer Training Program
The Richmond Farm School provides participants with over 200 hours of practical training! This program offers hands-on training supplemented with theoretical discussions on specific topics through weekly sessions over 8 months from March – October. Upon completion, participants will have the opportunity to apply to our Incubator program to start their farm business journey. The Richmond Farm School is a fully integrated, innovative, and experience-based program. Immerse yourself in Farm School and learn everything from soil health, plant life cycles, organic vegetable production, basic marketing and business principles, to ergonomic small-scale farming practices.
Who is this program meant for?
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to take your skills to the next level, a novice farmer wanting to gain more knowledge, or have never planted a seed in your life, Richmond Farm School will take you through a full growing season, equipping you with the skills and confidence to pursue a career in regenerative agriculture. Applicants must be 18+ by the start of class. There are no prerequisites to apply.
Location:
KPU Teaching and Research Farm on the Garden City Lands in Richmond B.C
2027 Schedule:
Start date: Mid-March from 10 am to 3:30 pm at Garden City KPU Farm
End date: End of October
No programs on Saturdays with a long weekend
Day and time:
Saturdays from 10 am to 3:30 pm (subject to slight variation)
Program Specifics:
- 200+ hours of practical, on-the-farm training
- A safe and inclusive environment
- Participants may receive a personal plot that they will have the freedom to grow on and the responsibility to manage.
- Opportunity to access land as an incubator farmer
Program Learning Outline
- Market Crop Production - This will be the bulk of the program with a focus on hands-on training.
- On-Farm Construction
- Caring for the Soil
- Farm Business Planning
- Orchard Management
- Mechanics/machinery
- Managing Pests
- Fruit production
- Cut flower Production
- Indigenous Foodways
- Seed Saving
- Organic Certification process/ Land Access
*This program outline is tentative and subject to change
Program Fee
- The total program fee is $5,500 (plus 5% GST)
- A non-refundable $500 deposit (plus 5% GST) is due upon acceptance to the program
- The remaining $5,000 (plus 5% GST) can be paid in full or through an installment plan after the program begins.
- It is up to every participant to ensure they have appropriate clothing, including steel-toed shoes. All tools will be provided.
- Buddy Registration Option : we offer a single fee rate for participants registering with a spouse, family member, or close farming partner. Both individuals will share a single participant plot under this option. If you wish to register with a partner at the single fee rate, please clearly indicate this in your application.
Funding Support for Program Fee
- The Richmond Garden Club Award: The Richmond Garden Club is pleased to offer a $1,000 award to one participant registered in the Richmond Farm School program. Preference will be given to a resident of Richmond and the awardee needs to fulfill the eligibility of financial need.
- The BC Council of Garden Clubs Award: The BC Council of Garden Clubs is pleased to offer a $500 award to one participant registered in the Richmond Farm School program.
- Applicants will obtain more information about the award during our interview sessions.
Full Press Release - KPU Farm School participants recognized with Garden Club awards
Frequently Asked Questions
- We listed some frequently asked questions about the program. Click here to read the Farm School FAQs.
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