Horticulture Crop Production and Protection — certificate

Program Overview

The Horticulture Crop Production and Protection Certificate Program at UFV equips students with knowledge and skills in integrated pest management, sustainable agriculture, and food security. Through hands-on experience in plant identification, greenhouse operations, crop production, and soil analysis, students prepare for careers in the horticulture industry, including greenhouse technicians, nursery workers, and farm workers. The program emphasizes practical application through a practicum and is taught by experienced faculty in state-of-the-art facilities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Horticulture Crop Production and Protection certificate program at UFV is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the horticulture industry.

The program emphasizes integrated pest management, sustainable agriculture practices, and food security.

Students will gain hands-on experience in various aspects of horticulture, including plant identification, greenhouse operation, crop production, and soil analysis.

The program also prepares students for further education in agriculture or related fields.

Outline:

The program is one year in duration and consists of four modules:

• Module 1: Plant Identification and Biology (3 credits)
• Module 2: Greenhouse Operations and Management (3 credits)
• Module 3: Integrated Pest Management (3 credits)
• Module 4: Fruit and Vegetable Crop Production (3 credits)
Each module includes a combination of lectures, labs, and field trips.
• Students will also complete a practicum in their second semester, where they will apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including exams, assignments, labs, and the practicum. The specific assessment methods will vary depending on the module.

Teaching:

The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in horticulture and related fields. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, labs, field trips, and guest speakers.

Careers:

Graduates of the program can pursue a variety of careers in the horticulture industry, including:

• Greenhouse technician
• Nursery worker
• Farm worker
• Garden center employee
• Landscape worker
• Groundskeeper
• Technician with government agencies

Other:

The program is offered at UFV's state-of-the-art Agriculture Centre, which features a research greenhouse and two heated polyethylene greenhouses. The program is open to students who have completed high school or equivalent. Students who do not meet the entrance requirements may be eligible to take upgrading courses.