7 Month Farmer Training Program:
The Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School's 7 month farmer training program is an immersion into integrated vegetable and livestock farming that runs 3-4 days a week from April to October. The program incorporates a diversity of topics that provides students with a strong foundation in the principals and practices of regenerative farming. It focuses on hands on, experiential learning alongside industry professionals, supported by classroom learning to prepare students for a career in the industry. Students can expect small research projects or supplemental reading to complete outside of program time in order to enhance understanding of classroom concepts. However, classes do not have exams/grades nor do they award academic credits.
Who is this program meant for?
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to take your skills to the next level or a novice farmer wanting to gain more knowledge, Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School will take you through a season equipping you with the skills and confidence to pursue a career in sustainable agriculture. Applicants must be 18+ by the start of class, there are no prerequisites to apply.
Schedule:
- April to October
- Wednesday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
- Plus, one Saturday class a month for beekeeping
- All Stat holidays are observed
Class Subjects:
- Market Crop Production
- Soil Science
- Integrated Pest Management
- Livestock - Laying hens, Hogs
- Beekeeping
- Perennial Crop Management
- Farm Business Planning and Marketing
- Farm Tools and Machinery
- Indigenous Food Ways
What’s Included?
- "Certificate of Completion" upon fulfilling minimum attendance requirement throughout the program
- The support of Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the Institute of Sustainable Food Systems
- After completion of this program, you will have gained invaluable knowledge and experience, and will be ready to start your journey in being a farmer.
Location:
4900 28th Ave, Delta
Both in-class and practicum learning take place at the Tsawwassen First Nation Farm. Students will also have an opportunity to take part in field trips visiting other farms in the Lower Mainland region.
Tuition Cost:
$5,250 (Including GST)
There is no extra costs for textbooks, materials or supplies etc. but students will be required to purchase any necessary farming gear i.e shoes, hats and waterproof gear etc.
The Farm School program operates as a cost-recovery program where all fees go back into developing the farm and education program.
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FAQs
Q: Who is this program meant for and are there any prerequisites?
A: Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to take your skills to the next level or a novice farmer wanting to gain more knowledge, Tsawwassen First Nation Farm School will take you through a season equipping you with the skills and confidence to pursue a career in sustainable agriculture. There are no prerequisites to apply.
Q: What does the application process look like and how do I apply?
A: Please see our registration page here - https://www.kpu.ca/tfnfarm/apply
Q: How do we measure the success rate of the program? What jobs have graduates of the program gone into? What are my options?
A: Our goal for the program isn’t that every student becomes a farmer after - we’ve learned that that’s not a realistic goal to have - nor is it every student's goal to become a farmer. Our goal is to showcase small-scale, ecologically beneficial, direct to consumer agriculture - and share the techniques, methods, values and morals that go along with that. We want to foster a strong base of knowledge and passion for our students to then bring that back into their communities and industries. Students have gone on to work on other farms, manage other farms, buy their own land, start their own farm, go into teaching in farming, policy development, not-for-profit, food industry, farmers markets, work for farming businesses like West Coast Seeds, and we try to hire past students to work with KPU Farm Schools whenever possible. There are many avenues that students can pursue after completion of the program.
Q: What academic recognition do I get upon compilation of the program?
A: You will receive a certificate of compilation. Our program is a farmer training program run by the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems, a part of the office of research at KPU. This means that our classes do not count as academic credits and can’t be transferred towards other programs.
Q: How much is tuition?
A: $5,250 including GST *Pricing valid for 2022 and subject to change
Q: Is there any homework or assignments that need to be completed outside of class time?
A: We will be updating our program for 2022 to include small research projects that are designed to further student’s learning.
Q: How many applicants do you accept?
A: 15 per year
Q: What is the time commitment? Can I work while taking the program?
A: You will be in class 3-4 days a week from 8am-4pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday + 1 Saturday a month for beekeeping class. 70% of the time you will be working on the farm and the other 30% of your time will be spent in lectures - more at the beginning and end of the season to set a basis of knowledge. Some students work part time jobs while taking the program, others just focus on the program full time.
Q: Are scholarships or financial aid available?
A: Not at this time. Students will be informed if any opportunities become available.
Q: Do you accept international applications?
A: Yes, but there are a couple things you should know before applying. First and foremost, since this program is primarily hands-on, you must be living in BC and able to get yourself to the farm for classes starting in April of the year you have applied for. Since this program is non-credited, international students who wish to take this program will not be eligible for student visas. This program does not offer on-site housing options.
Q: More questions?
A: Email us at farmschools@kpu.ca