Are you passionate about agriculture and looking to expand your knowledge and skills? Vancouver Island University’s Cowichan Campus Agriculture Program is offering a range of exciting workshops and courses designed to support existing or emerging farmers, market gardeners, and enthusiasts alike in their agricultural pursuits.
Agriculture is a vital industry that plays a crucial role in feeding Cowichan’s growing population and sustaining our environment. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer, a budding entrepreneur, or simply someone interested in learning more about sustainable food production, these workshops provide valuable insights and practical techniques to help you succeed in the field.
Here’s a glimpse into some of the topics covered in the next workshop series:
- Irrigation Design: Sunday, March 17, 2 to 4 pm
- Rainwater Capture and Storage: Sunday, March 24, 2 to 4 pm
- Basic Maintenance and Operation of Farm Equipment: Sunday, April 7, 1 to 4 pm
- Intro to Backyard Beekeeping: Tuesday, April 16, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
- Intro to Native Pollinators: Tuesday, April 23, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
- Intro to Meadow Making: Tuesday, April 30, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
- Backyard Chickens- Basics and Biosecurity: Tuesday, May 7, 6:30 to 8:30 pp
All the workshops will be hosted at Providence Farm, located at 1843 Tzouhalem Rd in Duncan. Providence Farm is a therapeutic working farm and Registered Charity that has been nestled in the heart of the Cowichan Valley since 1979.
These workshops provide hands-on learning experiences facilitated by industry experts and experienced practitioners. Participants have the opportunity to engage in practical demonstrations and interactive sessions that bring concepts to life and foster valuable networking opportunities within the agricultural community.
The CVRD is proud to provide incremental financial support to the VIU-Cowichan Campus Agriculture Program and their Agricultural Coordinator position. In 2023, they developed several courses to offer in the new suite of Micro Credentials certificates. Starting in Fall 2024, VIU Cowichan will be piloting the following Micro Credential courses:
- Fundamentals of Sustainable Agricultural Soils
- Agro-Ecological Systems Management
- Organic Vegetable Seed Production
In 2023, the VIU-Cowichan Campus Agriculture Program delivered an 11-week Regenerative Agriculture course in partnership with North Island College and Young Agrarians. The Regenerative Agriculture Program was a fully funded course with online classes, in-person bootcamps, and local farm practicums.
A similar program is under development to serve the burgeoning craft brewery industry by delivering a Craft Brewing and Packaging Program in collaboration with North Island College. Anticipated delivery will be late 2024.
You can click the button below to express your interest and gain more information about these courses.
If you’re passionate about agriculture and eager to expand your horizons in this dynamic field, consider exploring the workshops offered through VIU-Cowichan Campus. With a diverse range of topics, hands-on learning experiences, and a supportive community of learners and experts, these workshops and courses are sure to empower you on your journey towards a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural future. So why wait? Dive into the world of agriculture with VIU and take your passion for farming to new heights!