Small-scale Farming
The Specialization in Small-scale Farming provides students in Trent’s one-of-a-kind Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (B.A. or B.Sc.) program with a comprehensive background and hands-on experience in growing food and contributing to resilient regional food systems.
Through a new, intensive hands-on field course, that covers the principles of vegetable and field crops in terms of sustainable management on the Trent Model Farm, students study the principles to cultivate crops including field preparing, soil and nutrient management, seeding, pest management, irrigation techniques, harvest and post-harvest.
Required Courses:
In addition to the course requirements for the B.A. or B.Sc. in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, students in this specialization will be required to take the following courses:
- SAFS 2350H: Ecological Agriculture:
- SAFS 2800H: Sustainable Farm Business Management
- SAFS: 3801H: Intensive Summer/Fall Field Course
- SAFS 3340H: The Canadian Food System: A Community Development Approach
- SAFS 3460H: Crop Physiology
- SAFS 4003D: Internship
- SAFS 4101H: Agroecological learning and practice
Resume Boosters:
- Get your hands dirty as you gain firsthand insight into the principles of vegetable and field crops including field preparation, soil and nutrient management, seeding, pest management, irrigation techniques, harvest and post-harvest by working on the Trent Farm.
- Put theory into practice at one of Trent’s on-campus food and farming assets, the most extensive in the area, including the Trent Farm, Market Garden, Vegetable Garden, Apiary, First Peoples House of Learning Medicine Garden, and the Seasoned Spoon.
- Work alongside leading experts and thought leaders in agriculture businesses and community organizations and gain diverse experiences in the practice of small-scale farming.
- Make your mark in our engaged student community by joining the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Society, Trent Apiary, or Food Services Sustainability Committee.
Career Paths:
Career Opportunities
- Organic Farmer
- Land Use Consultant
- Agricultural Research Assistant
- Urban Agricultural Coordinator
- Food Policy Analyst
- Community Food Activist
- Nutrition & Food Industry Specialist
- Agro-Tourism Business Operator
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Requirements:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program specific prerequisites
- A minimum 70% overall final average (unless otherwise specified below)
- ENG 4U with a minimum of 60%
Program Requirements:
- SBI4U for B.Sc.
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