Program Quick-Find
Locavores unite!
Canadians are creating a new local food order that’s changing the way we think about food and what we eat. Convenient, pre-packaged foods are increasingly being replaced with safe, wholesome and natural foods. This desire for fresh, local products is driving a new wave of farmers, food processors, gardeners and businesses to embrace the many ways food production can benefit locavores looking to purchase high-quality, in-season foods.
Artisan agriculture experts have the food-quality skills needed to grow and create the homegrown foods today’s consumers are looking for – from field to fork. Whether you want to be part of the agritourism movement, own a greenhouse or operate a garden centre, you can gain knowledge and polish your skills in preparation for a variety of career options.
Back to TopProgram Description
Artisan agriculture is a term used to describe the creative and innovative concept of local food production benefitting from a large, nearby population. This program will prepare you to take an active role in artisan, urban and/or value-added agriculture, leading to the production of high-quality food products for niche markets. It will also give you the background required for a career with large national brands. This program will enable you to be part of the wave of producers, small processors, commercial gardeners and agri-businesses seeking to promote locally produced food to premium fresh markets and/or niche-processed specialty food outlets.
You will focus on:
- Disease and pest management
- Food processing, sanitation and safety including the niche processing of local foods
- Food and agriculture regulations
- Food-quality skills from field to fork
- Fruit and vegetable production under field, greenhouse, garden and container conditions
- Plant propagation
- Proficiency in urban agriculture techniques
- Soil and plant nutrition
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma, General Education Development, Academic and Career Entrance – College Prep Level or Mature Student Status plus senior level (Grade 11 or higher) subject credits including college preparation (C),university/college preparation (M), university preparation (U) or post-secondary (college or university) in:
- Grade 12 English
- Grade 12 mathematics (MAP4C)
- Biology, chemistry or environmental sciences (recommended)
Career Options
Employment opportunities are available in a wide variety of food- and agriculture-related positions including:
- Artisan entrepreneurship and agritourism
- Food processing for a national brand or niche processor
- Food product development and inspection
- Garden centre
- Greenhouse production of vegetables, flowers and box plants
- Municipal garden or park
- Non-profit community garden and sustainability network
- Sale of greenhouse equipment and supplies, plant nutrition and other plant products
Course List & Descriptions
Courses and course descriptions are updated on a regular basis and are subject to change.
Semester 1
| Semester 2
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Semester 3
| Semester 4
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Program Costs
| Tuition Fees (Domestic): | $2,454 |
| Tuition Fees (International): | $11,849 |
| Student Incidental Fees: | $990 |
| Lab, Supplies and Consumable Fees: | $300 |
Fees do not include text books and are approximate based on 2011-2012 costs. For more information please see Other fees to consider.
Back to TopInternships & Placements
A work placement opportunity in your second year of study will enable you to work in the food and agriculture industry one day a week or during mutually arranged blocks of time (totalling 100 hours)while completing your studies.
Back to TopOpportunities For Degree Completion Or Additional Credentials
Qualified graduates may be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities. Please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/transferguide.
