Regenerative Agriculture Certificate

Program Overview

Thompson Rivers University's Regenerative Agriculture Certificate equips students with the knowledge and skills to create resilient agricultural enterprises that align with nature's principles. Through experiential learning, students apply regenerative practices to enhance soil health, reduce reliance on external inputs, and produce nutrient-rich foods while sequestering carbon. The program emphasizes project-based assessments and a flexible block-based learning format, fostering a deep understanding of regenerative agriculture concepts and their practical application.

Program Outline

The program emphasizes producing nutrient-dense foods while simultaneously building soil health, sequestering carbon, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels and costly inputs.

Objectives:

• Develop a strong understanding of regenerative agriculture principles and practices.
• Gain practical skills in producing nutrient-dense foods.
• Understand the role of regenerative agriculture in carbon sequestration.
• Reduce reliance on fossil fuels and costly inputs.
• Develop business management skills relevant to regenerative agriculture.
• Apply regenerative agriculture and resource management concepts to diverse landscapes and circumstances.

Program Description:

The program offers a unique experiential learning approach through a host farm practicum or self-directed learning plan. Students have the opportunity to live and work on host farms or their own farms, gaining practical experience in the areas they are most interested in pursuing.

Assessment:

• Project-based assessments are used instead of traditional exams.
• Students are graded on assignments where they apply learned concepts to their own farm or a virtual farm they envision creating.

Teaching:

• Block-based flexible learning format: Each course is three weeks long with one seminar or field trip per week, typically on Mondays or Tuesdays.
• Winter seminars are delivered via video conference.
• Summer months involve field trips to farms within the region, where students learn from successful agriculture entrepreneurs and subject experts.
• Students work on their host farms and complete readings and assignments on their own schedule, with deadlines on Sundays.

Careers:

• Farm and ranch operations and management
• Agriculture banking and insurance sectors
• Marketing, sales, and management in the agri-business sector
• Land use and environmental stewardship manager
• Economic development officer or project manager within communities
• Small business growth through increasing capacity for local food production, where food dollars circulate within regions

Other:

• The program is open to international applicants.
• Students are responsible for finding their own suitable work experience placement.