Sustainable Agriculture (SAG) (Co-op) at Fleming College at

Throughout the Sustainable Agriculture program students will:

• Learn from experienced farmers and practitioners in class, on farm field days, and during panel discussions.
• Develop their own business case and farm plan.
• Focus on the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture and small farm operations and viability.
• Enjoy a highly interactive learning environment.
• Farming practices in the program are based on the principles of environmental stewardship, farmer profitability, social responsibility and community health.

Completion of the Sustainable Agriculture program will enable students to:

• Develop a personal philosophy and approach to sustainable farming, using knowledge of historic and contemporary farm practices, food culture and systems.
• Protect and renew soil fertility and health through use of composts, green manures, cover crops, rotation, tillage and soil testing and amendments.
• Develop crop plans and rotations to meet small-scale through field-scale production needs.
• Manage a small-scale market garden and / or greenhouse operation from seed starts through harvest.
• Integrate natural biological cycles and controls in managing plant pathogens, weeds, insect pests and parasites.
• Assess the merits and viability of integrating small-scale livestock production and heritage breeds in the mixed farm operation and manage their husbandry and welfare.
• Plan for, problem-solve and manage the day-to-day events and operations of the farm enterprise, including maintenance and repair, economy in use of resources, development of on-farm systems, animal and crop husbandry and farm labour.
• Meet optimal standards of food safety including handling, cleaning, processing, preserving and storage.
• Develop a viable business case, business plan, and direct marketing strategies to support a non-capital intensive, sustainable farm enterprise.
• Plan for and manage the day to day business operations of the farm enterprise in order to create a dependable farm income.
• Develop an integrated farm plan that accounts for ecological farm practices, environmental protection, biodiversity and wildlife preservation.
• Develop an approach to whole farm thinking that optimizes the management and use of on-farm resources, and reduces the use of non-renewable resources and purchased production inputs.