Field Vegetable Production Essentials — certificate
Program Overview
The Field Vegetable Production Essentials Certificate Program at UFV is an 18-credit program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in field vegetable production. The program focuses on the biology and physiology of vegetable crops, site selection, field preparation, variety selection, pest management, and cultivation practices. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in the field vegetable industry, including vegetable farm managers, field technicians, production supervisors, greenhouse growers, and vegetable inspectors.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Overview:
The Field Vegetable Production Essentials certificate program at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is an 18-credit program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in field vegetable production. The program focuses on the biology and physiology of vegetable crops, site selection, field preparation, variety selection, pest management, and cultivation practices.
Objectives:
- Provide a thorough introduction to field vegetable production.
- Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to enter the field vegetable industry.
- Prepare graduates for career advancement opportunities in the field.
- Offer professional development opportunities for individuals already involved in vegetable production.
Program Description:
The program features a combination of theoretical and practical learning experiences, including lectures, field trips, and hands-on activities.
Teaching
Teaching methods:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Field trips
- Hands-on activities
- Group discussions
Faculty:
The program is taught by dedicated faculty who are closely connected to the agricultural community and passionate about locally grown and produced food. They bring real-world experience and expertise to the classroom, ensuring students receive relevant and up-to-date knowledge.
Careers
Career opportunities:
Graduates of the program are well-positioned for careers in the field vegetable industry, including:
- Vegetable farm managers
- Field technicians
- Production supervisors
- Greenhouse growers
- Vegetable inspectors
Career outlook:
The field vegetable production industry offers a diverse and dynamic work environment. British Columbia boasts a wide range of field vegetable crops, with the majority grown in the Fraser Valley. Vegetables constitute 8% of Abbotsford's main field crops, with potatoes, mixed vegetables, and sweet corn being the most prevalent. Furthermore, vegetables dominate the local greenhouse industry. These trends highlight the significant job opportunities available for program graduates within local farms and greenhouses.
Program length:
The program can be completed in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.
Program laddering:
The Field Vegetable Production Essentials certificate can serve as a steppingstone towards further education in horticulture. It can ladder into a Horticulture Crop Production and Protection certificate, an Agriculture Technology diploma, or a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at UFV, enabling graduates to expand their expertise and career prospects within the horticulture industry.
Entry Requirements:
For Domestic Students (Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents):
- Completion of Grade 12 English with a minimum grade of 70%
- Completion of Grade 12 Math with a minimum grade of 70%
- Completion of at least one of the following Science courses: Biology, Chemistry, or Physics with a minimum grade of 70%
For International Students (outside Canada):
- Completion of an equivalent international qualification recognized by UFV
- English Language Proficiency:
- Minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS Academic test
- Minimum score of 88 on the TOEFL iBT test
- Minimum score of 58 on the PTE Academic test
- Completion of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program at UFV with a minimum grade of B-
Additional Notes:
- Applicants with relevant work experience in the field of agriculture may be considered for admission even if they do not meet the academic requirements.
- Mature students (19 years of age or older) who do not meet the academic requirements may be considered for admission based on an individual assessment of their academic potential and life experience.
- International students are encouraged to apply early, as there may be limited spaces available in the program. Specific requirements may vary depending on the applicant's individual circumstances. It is recommended that prospective students contact UFV directly for the most up-to-date information.
