General Information about OACC Web-based Courses

OACC web-based courses are available to farmers, students, and others involved in organic agriculture. Participants can register for the courses regardless of their location and participate in the course material during the hours most suitable to them. Many students have found the interactive approach to be enjoyable and educational. It can be a valuable experience to interact with the instructor and with classmates with similar interests and questions while sitting comfortably at home.

A recent course participant told us that she wanted to look at the "why" behind the "how-to" she had acquired. She wanted to build on her experience with more formalized, university-level academic knowledge:

"In a nutshell I was ready for the science and theory but I still needed a course that was realistic and practical. Being in a rural location and having a family made daily travel to a university impossible. I needed the right courses offered with the right mix of theory and practice in a distance education format - online. A pretty tall order! My experience with the OACC courses has been overwhelmingly positive."

Other students affirmed that their guided practical experience was supporting the theory:

"On day 11 the average pile temperature is 63^oC and I am hoping to heat to 65^oC to kill weed seeds and fly larvae. There is no odour. I am so proud!"

"The pile has shrunk to 25 cm and is at 56^oC. There are lots of actinomycetes (fungi) in the centre core with no odour. I am learning lots and having fun!"

Click here to read a student testimonial for these courses.

Throughout the courses, participants engage in discussion groups and are directed to current organic information available on the internet. Background reading material is provided to all who register in the courses, and other required materials are clearly identified in the registration process for each course.

The OACC courses are offered for credit at a second-year degree level through the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, the University of Guelph, the University of Manitoba, and the University of British Columbia. For those who prefer to have full access to the instructors and the course material without completing assignments and writing exams, the courses can also be taken on a non-credit basis. Farmers in particular are encouraged to register for these courses. Your input and questions keep us sharp and on track.

The web-based courses available to date are:

• Composting
• Principles of Organic Horticulture
• Key Indicators of Sustainable Agriculture
• Organic Crop Production on the Prairies
• Organic Field Crop Management
• Organic Livestock Production
• Organic Marketing
  
• Transition to Organic Agriculture
• Weed Control in Organic Agriculture

In the near future there will be new web-based courses on Organic Horticultural Crops, Soil Ecology, and Organic Weed Management. At least 5 courses will be available in French.

Certificate of Specialization in Organic Agriculture:

The Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) is now offering a new Certificate program in Organic Agriculture. This initiative will provide students with an opportunity to specialize in the expanding area of organic agriculture. The Certificate of Specialization in Organic Agriculture will enable students to approach agriculture from their area of interest, to know they can be recognized for this accomplishment and to continue to take other courses in agriculture toward a degree. To date the total organic sector is about 1 - 2 % of agriculture overall. However, the employment opportunities are expected to increase in an industry that is growing at the rate of 20% per year. There are also opportunities for self-employment on smaller farms than might be profitable under conventional production.

Any student who has successfully completed four (including at least two from NSAC) of the eligible organic agriculture credit courses and has an overall average of at least 60% in these courses can apply to receive a Certificate of Specialization in Organic Agriculture.

For more information on the Certificate, contact the Registry (902 893 6722) or the Centre for Continuing & Distance Education (902 893 6666).

In addition to web-based courses, several institutions in Canada offer campus-based credit and non-credit courses/programs in Organic Agriculture.

Click here for information about these courses.