The OFIBC provides both on-line theory courses and field training. We recommend that students complete the online component before the field training. The two components are integrated. The science and technology you learn in the online component is demonstrated in the field component. The OFIBC will permit students to take the field component if half of the online component has been completed.

We recommend that novice organic farmers begin with ORG 101: “Introduction to Organic Soil Management and Nutrient Cycles” followed by “Organic Soil Management Practices and Transitioning to organic methods”. Practicing organic farmers should select courses based on needs. Sarah Clark, our Administrator, will be happy to assist you to select a training curriculum.

Students will receive certificates of course completion from the Organic Farming Institute of BC.

Available in 2010 (click underlined course name for course outline in PDF format)

CERTIFICATE IN ORGANIC SOIL MANAGEMENT (3 courses)

ORG 101 Introduction to Organic Soil Management and Nutrient Cycles ($525.00)
ORG 102 Organic Soil Management Practices & Transitioning to organic methods ($525.00)
ORG 101-F Organic Soil Management Field Training ($325.00)

Available in late 2010

ORG 103 Organic Field Crop Production ($525.00)
ORG 103-F Organic Field Crop Practical Training ($325.00)

Available in 2011

ORG 104 Organic Production in the Greenhouse
ORG 104-F Organic Production in the Greenhouse Practical Training
ORG 105 Organic Methods applied to Orcharding
ORG 105-F Organic Methods applied to Orcharding Field Training
ORG 106 Organic Methods applied to livestock production
ORG 106-F Organic Methods applied to livestock production Field Training
ORG 301 Organic Farm Business Management
ORG 401 Maintaining organic integrity and the packinghouse and processing plant

DIPLOMA IN PRACTICAL ORGANIC FARMING (4 courses)

ORG 101 Introduction to Organic Soil Management and Nutrient Cycles
ORG 102 Organic Soil Management Practices & Transitioning to organic methods
ORG 101-F Organic Soil Management Field Training

Plus 1 of the following pairs (e.g. ORG 103 and ORG 103-F)

ORG 103 Organic Field Crop Production
ORG 103-F Organic Field Crop Practical Training
ORG 104 Organic Production in the Greenhouse
ORG 104-F Organic Production in the Greenhouse Practical Training
ORG 105 Organic Methods applied to Orcharding
ORG 105-F Organic Methods applied to Orcharding Field Training
ORG 106 Organic Methods applied to livestock production
ORG 106-F Organic Methods applied to livestock production Field Training
ORG 201 Organic Farm Business Management
ORG 202 Maintaining organic integrity and the packinghouse and processing plant

COURSE SCHEDULE