University Certificate - Regenerative Agriculture (Williams Lake Campus Only)

Program overview

The Regenerative Agriculture Diploma at the Williams Lake Campus is designed for students who want to engage in sustainable agricultural practices. This program emphasizes the development of resilient agricultural enterprises that harmonize with nature. Students will acquire skills in producing nutrient-dense foods while enhancing soil health, sequestering carbon, and minimizing reliance on fossil fuels. The program uniquely combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, allowing students to work on host farms or their own farms, thereby gaining hands-on skills in their areas of interest.

Program structure

The Regenerative Agriculture Diploma program is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience over a period of two years. The program includes:

• Block-based flexible learning with each course lasting three weeks.
• Weekly seminars or field trips, typically held on Mondays or Tuesdays.
• Experiential learning through a host farm practicum or self-directed learning plan.
• Assignments instead of traditional exams, culminating in a final business and operations plan.
• Opportunities to present business plans at the ‘Bull’s Den’ for expert feedback.

Students can start the program in September, January, or May, making it accessible for various schedules. This structure allows for a blend of academic learning and practical application, ensuring that students are well-prepared for careers in regenerative agriculture.

Featured Experiences

The Regenerative Agriculture Diploma offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

• Hands-on experience through a host farm practicum, where students can apply their learning in real-world settings.
• Self-directed learning plans that allow students to tailor their education to their interests.
• Field trips to local farms during the summer months, providing insights from successful agriculture entrepreneurs.
• Weekly seminars that include expert guest speakers and interactive discussions.
• A focus on practical skills in pasture-raised beef and sheep production, agri-tourism, and food sovereignty.

These experiences are designed to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities in the field of regenerative agriculture.

Career Options

Graduates of the Regenerative Agriculture Diploma can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

• Farm and Ranch Manager: Oversee daily operations, manage staff, and ensure sustainable practices are implemented.
• Agriculture Banking and Insurance Specialist: Provide financial services and risk management solutions tailored to the agricultural sector.
• Agri-business Marketing Manager: Develop marketing strategies for agricultural products and services, focusing on sustainability.
• Range and Land Use Manager: Manage land resources to promote sustainable agricultural practices and conservation.
• Agriculture Entrepreneur: Start and manage a business focused on innovative agricultural solutions and products.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make a significant impact in the field of regenerative agriculture.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.