Specializing in Organic Agriculture

By Brenda frick, Ph.D.

Organic agriculture is a knowledge-based system where an understanding of biological processes is used instead of a variety of chemical inputs. This kind of understanding can be difficult for farmers and people in agricultural extension or industry, who trained in a different style of management. Learning by experience can be slow and costly. The Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC) is responded to this need by developing a collection of web-based courses leading to a Certificate of Specialization in Organic Agriculture.

Web-based courses offer students the opportunity to learn from a broad range of experts, without having to leave the farm, their jobs or their families. Students interact with faculty and other students across the country. A mix of farm-based students and university level science keeps the courses grounded in reality, while providing a solid knowledge base.

Classes are available for credit at a second year university level. To obtain a Certificate of Specialization in Organic Agriculture from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC), a student must take a minimum of four courses for credit (at least two from NSAC), and obtain at least a 60% average. People who do not wish to do assignments or take exams, but are still interested in the information and discussions are welcome to register as non-credit students. Farmers, both organic and conventional, are particularly encouraged to participate.

A variety of organic courses are available, including 5 offered through NSAC and one offered through each of the Universities of Manitoba, British Columbia, Guelph and Saskatchewan. This fall four courses are offered; in the winter, a further five courses will be available.

Fall Semester Courses (September-December 2004):

• Transition to Organic Agriculture, introduces the principles of organic agriculture, the certification requirements and tips on how to plan the farm system.
• Basic Composting Skills, is a dynamic "hands-on" course in which students share their on-line experiences in making compost while acquiring the knowledge and skills for efficient composting and the successful use of compost in organic systems.
• Principles of Organic Horticulture addresses organic fruit and vegetable production systems. Grower profiles are a key feature of this course and provide students with essential crop-specific information, production processes and proven grower techniques.
• Organic Crop Production on the Prairies highlights organic crop production principles and practices in both wet and dry areas of the prairies and within the different prairie soil zones.
  

Winter Semester Courses (January-April 2005):

• Organic Field Crop Management addresses the criteria for optimum yield and quality of forage, row and small grain crops. Practices are considered in the context of organic farming principles, sustainable soil and nutrient management, and the requirements for organic certification.
• Organic Livestock Production introduces producers to the standards, health management strategies, marketing methods and ethical issues of organic livestock production.
• Key Indicators of Sustainable Agriculture considers quantitative and qualitative indicators of sustainability in conventional and organic agriculture. Sustainability of a farm or a farming system is considered, with real-life examples from both.
• Organic Marketing assesses how economic theory is applied to the marketing of organically-produced and processed products, through exploring open market price formation, value added, marketing margins, alternative marketing outlets and branding.
• Organic Weed Management considers the biology and ecology of weeds, and their response to various crop management practices. The advantages and risks of cultural, mechanical, and biological controls are considered.
  

This collection of web-based courses integrates theory and practice on a variety of topics important to organic producers. Producers who are considering transition or who are looking to broaden their knowledge and options will find interesting material here to consider. Extension and agricultural service professionals will find opportunities to upgrade their skills in the vital and growing area of organics. And finally, students will be able to specialize in organic agriculture within their university careers. Solid training in organic agriculture is the key to expanding its scientific basis, and furthering its potential as a true leader in sustainable agricultural.

Brenda Frick, Ph.D., P.Ag. is the Prairie Coordinator for the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada at the College of Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan. She welcomes your comments at 306-966-4975 or via email at brenda.frick@usask.ca.

Click here for complete outlines for all OACC courses in the Certificate of Specialization on Organic Agriculture.