7-Month Farmer Training Program
The Richmond Farm School provides participants with over 200 hours of practical training! This program offers hands-on training supplemented with theoretical discussions on specific topics through weekly sessions over 7 months from March – October. Upon completion, participants will have the opportunity to apply to our Incubator program to start their farm business journey. The Richmond Farm School is a fully integrated, innovative, and experience-based program. Immerse yourself in Farm School and learn everything from soil health, plant life cycles, organic vegetable production, basic marketing and business principles, to ergonomic small-scale farming practices.
Who is this program meant for?
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to take your skills to the next level, a novice farmer wanting to gain more knowledge, or have never planted a seed in your life, Richmond Farm School will take you through a full growing season, equipping you with the skills and confidence to pursue a career in regenerative agriculture. Applicants must be 18+ by the start of class. There are no prerequisites to apply.
Location:
KPU Teaching and Research Farm on the Garden City Lands in Richmond B.C
Schedule:
Start date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
End date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Day and time:
Saturdays from 9am to 5pm (subject to slight variation)
Program Specifics:
- 200+ hours of practical, on-the-farm training
- Participants may receive a personal plot that they will have the freedom to grow on and the responsibility to manage.
- Participants will receive fresh produce from the Farm School plot
Program Learning Outline
- Market Crop Production - This will be the bulk of the program with a focus on hands-on training.
- On-Farm Construction
- Caring for the Soil
- Farm Business Planning
- Orchard Management
- Mechanics/machinery
- Managing Pests
- Fruit production
- Cut flower Production
- Indigenous Foodways
- Seed Saving
- Organic Certification process/ Land Access
*This program outline is tentative and subject to change
Program Fee
$5,500 (plus 5% GST)
A non-refundable $500 deposit + 5% GST is due upon acceptance to the program.
It is up to every participant to ensure they have appropriate clothing, including steel-toed shoes. All tools will be provided.
*Note: We accept registration at the single fee rate if you want to join the program with your spouse, a family member, or a close farming partner. Both of you will share the same participant plot under the single fee rate. Please indicate clearly in your application if you want to register with your partner at the single fee rate.
Funding Support for Program Fee
The Richmond Garden Club Award: The Richmond Garden Club is pleased to offer a $1,000 award to one participant registered in the Richmond Farm School program. Preference will be given to a resident of Richmond and the awardee needs to fulfill the eligibility of financial need.
The BC Council of Garden Clubs Award: The BC Council of Garden Clubs is pleased to offer a $500 award to one participant registered in the Richmond Farm School program.
Applicants will obtain more information about the award during our interview sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
We listed some frequently asked questions to help provide more details about the program. Click here to read the Farm School FAQs.
Check out our registration page to start the registration process!
Incubator Program:
If you want to take the next step in pursuing a career in farming, KPU Richmond Farm School offers past participants of the first-year 7-month farmer training program the opportunity to apply for our second-year Incubator farming program! Upon the approval of your submitted business plan, incubator farmers will gain access to land, water use, tool and machinery sharing, and continued mentorship for up to 3 years.
You will be solely responsible for managing your own operation on your allocated plots, and for all aspects of planning, budgeting, implementation, growing, and selling of your produce.
You will also be joining an ever-growing community of diverse farmers, be provided with learning opportunities, workshops, receive continued mentorship and provide mentorship to new participants entering the program.
More information about our incubator program is coming soon!
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