Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems
A resilient and equitable food system is needed to sustain healthy communities in a changing world. We expect this system to be built on a diverse foundation of ecologically-sensitive farming practices that emphasize mutually beneficial relationships and human connection to the land. Our students pursue these ideals through a unique blend of classroom and farm-based studies in agro-ecosystem design and stewardship; innovative and ecologically sound crop production; sustainable farm business management; and the economic, social, and environmental challenges facing our food system. An integral part of our programs is the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems, which engages in applied, multidisciplinary food systems research.
Our research and teaching farms provide space for students to participate in hands-on learning on working operations. The orchard, market garden, and farms are living laboratories for research projects that address challenges faced by local farmers while fostering a deeper understanding of agro-ecosystems. The development and demonstration of regionally-adapted sustainable agriculture practices are core principles of our programs.
Also see our non-credit Farm Schools program: kpu.ca/farmschool
Who Studies Sustainable Agriculture?
Individuals interested in gaining a practical understanding of sustainably growing food for their communities as well as those who wish to see this type of local-regional agriculture and food system integrated fully into society. This program will appeal to students who recognize that environmental stewardship and community involvement are critical to our food system and who wish to be part of a new approach to agriculture. Students looking for creative, hands-on work on farms and in the community will thrive in this program.
Department's website: kpu.ca/science/agriculture
Sustainable, local food production is a rapidly developing component of sustainable community/ regional planning and development is on the minds of the public and governments alike. Program graduates will be sought after in areas as diverse as planning, resource management, politics, government, non-government organizations, related business, and production agriculture.
Registration in some course sections is restricted to students in particular programs. See Timetables - kpu.ca/registration/timetables - for current section information.
Visit the BC Transfer Guide - bctransferguide.ca - for information about course transfer in B.C.
AGRI 1100 3 credits
Applied Organic Agriculture I
Students will study the integrated application of food crop production principles and practices at the certified organic, KPU Farm. They will focus on late winter and spring operations including planning seasonal operations and plantings, equipment assessment and maintenance; procuring seed and plants; establishing orchard and field plantings; perennial crops canopy management; soil, nutrition, irrigation and pest management regimes and farm safety. Note: This course is only offered in the spring term.
Level: UG
AGRI 1130 3 credits
Indigenous Perspectives in Food Systems
Food systems and food sovereignty are deeply connected to Indigenous well-being and relationship to the land, both historically and in the present. Food systems and agriculture are also intertwined with the history of colonialism in Canada. At the same time, Indigenous knowledge and land stewardship practices have provided the foundation for many areas of sustainable agriculture including agroecology, organic agriculture, permaculture, and regenerative agriculture. This course will use a land-based learning approach to explore Indigenous food systems as an integral part of sustainable agriculture. Using examples from local First Nations as well as cases across Canada, students will learn about historic and contemporary factors that impact Indigenous food systems and food sovereignty and consider the significance of reconciliation in the context of food systems. This course is cross-listed with INDG 1130. Students may earn credit for only one of these courses.
Level: UG
Cross-listing: INDG 1130
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 1150 3 credits
Foundations of Sustainable Agriculture
Agriculture is one of the fundamental ways in which humans interact with the natural world, and has a crucial role to play in a sustainable future. This class will cover the history of agriculture and the current food system through the lens of sustainability. We will explore how the dominant paradigm of modern agricultural production developed, connecting structural and historical processes to current issues. We will also learn about movements for sustainable and just food systems and their potential to address climate change and other issues of global concern.
Level: UG
AGRI 1200 6 credits
Applied Organic Agriculture II
Students will build on the crop production principles and practices of integrated crop production covered in AGRI 1100. They will focus on spring and summer operations including work scheduling; transplant production; planting, transplanting, and direct seeding; fertility management; equipment use and maintenance; irrigation; pest management; weed management; warm season cover cropping; harvest; post-harvest management; marketing, and record keeping. Note: This course is only offered in the summer term.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 1100
AGRI 1250 4 credits
Foundations in Sustainable Agriculture
Students will explore fundamental concepts of sustainable agriculture and food systems through hands-on activities on the research and education farm, in the agriculture lab as well as in the classroom. They will be introduced to the many facets of our food system from basics of soil science, crop production, food quality, processing and distribution. These concepts of sustainable agriculture and food science will be considered through the lens of environmental stewardship, food self-reliance, food justice, health and ethics.
Level: UG
AGRI 1299 1 credit
Food System Field Analysis
Students will visit and observe agri-food system farm processing and distribution enterprises in British Columbia. They will assess the function and operation of these enterprises and identify challenges and opportunities for advancing agri-food system sustainability. Students will explore ways to define, assess, and interpret factors that contribute to agri-food system sustainability. They will learn how factors interact and learn to weigh these factors in holistic agri-food system sustainability assessments, decision making, and planning processes.
Level: UG
AGRI 2100 3 credits
Applied Organic Agriculture III
Students will continue to build on organic crop production principles and practices learned in previous Applied Organic Agriculture courses. They will focus on fall operations including work scheduling, late season planting, season extension, fertility management, equipment use and maintenance, pest management, cool season cover cropping, harvest, post-harvest management, farm winterization activities, marketing and record keeping.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 1200
AGRI 2110 3 credits
Beekeeping
Students will participate in a combination of classroom instruction and field observation/evaluation of honey bees. Students handling, or in close proximity to bees will be required to wear protective equipment and may be required to life equipment weighing up to 20 Kg. Students will participate in colony inspection, equipment assembly and honey collection during the course. The emphasis of the course will be hands-on seasonal management of honey bees, primarily in agricultural systems for the purpose of maintaining colony health and pollinating crops.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 24 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 2190 3 credits
Plant Science
Students will study basic crop plant anatomy, morphology, physiology, growth and development, breeding and genetics. They will also study environmental (biotic and abiotic) and agroecosystem management interactions and their effects on crop growth, yield and quality.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1110
AGRI 2220 4 credits
Soil Stewardship and Management
The goal of this course is to prepare students as future agricultural professionals to apply the soil science knowledge learned in this course to the challenges of contemporary land management. This course will introduce the fundamental concepts related to soil science, discuss key characteristics of soils and ecology, and management of soils with an emphasis on understanding soil as a living system, in the context of the agroecosystem and as a precious natural resource. Students will study soil formation and development processes, physical and chemical characteristics of soils, soil biodiversity and soil food webs, and major biogeochemical cycles. We will also cover concepts related to soil fertility and nutrient management, soil water management, soil conservation, and plant nutrient uptake in agroecosystems.
Level: UG
AGRI 2230 3 credits
Sustainable Human Economy
Students will consider the roles that environment, society and economics has played in the development of the current global economic model. They will critically examine the impacts of the dominant economic system on the environment and human well-being. They will study key principles and concepts of ecological and sustainable economics in comparison to classical and neo-classical economics. Students will examine alternative economic perspectives and case studies that demonstrate alternative economic models that consider planetary boundaries and human well-being.
Level: UG
AGRI 2240 3 credits
Ecologically Based Pest Management
Students will study common plant, insect, mite, bacterial, fungal, viral and vertebrate pests, and associated injury and or disease caused to common fruit and vegetable crop plants cultivated in the Pacific Northwest. They will study the agro-ecological basis for plant pest occurrence and plant response to infestation/infection. Students will study cultural, behavioral, biological, physical and chemical pest management methods and tools based on maintaining or enhancing agro-ecosystem integrity, function and sustainability. They will learn to identify/ diagnose arthropod, plant and microbial pests/ disease and develop appropriate integrated pest management strategies and action plans. They will also learn to distinguish between pathogenic and non-pathogenic plant disease.
Level: UG
AGRI 2250 3 credits
Agriculture and Food Systems in British Columbia
This course provides an introduction to the concept of a food system as an interconnected web of activities, processes, structures, resources, and people involved in providing human nourishment. Using case examples from British Columbia, we will examine the underlying logic, values, and function of food systems, and their implications for communities and the environment. We will consider how food systems outcomes are shaped by regional policies such as supply management and the Agricultural Land Reserve, and how food systems contribute to issues of international interest such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 1150
AGRI 2299 2 credits
Agri-Food in the Field
Students will visit and observe agri-food system farm processing and distribution enterprises in British Columbia. They will assess the function and operation of these enterprises and identify challenges and opportunities for advancing agri-food system sustainability. Students will explore ways to define, assess, and interpret factors that contribute to agri-food system sustainability. They will learn how factors interact and learn to weigh these factors in holistic agri-food system sustainability assessments, decision making, and planning processes. Note: This course may include field trips that happen outside of regular class hours, including overnight trips and additional course fees.
Level: UG
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 2320 3 credits
Advanced Soil Management
Students will understand and manage agricultural soils. They will learn soil conservation techniques, how to avoid losses through erosion, reduce the degradation of soil and the prevention and elimination of environmental pollution. They will learn how to increase soil fertility and health using appropriate soil amendments, organic fertilizers, cover cropping and tillage techniques. Learning to manage different soil types, students will understand how to optimize soil biological health and nutrition, soil water conservation, and water management such as irrigation and drainage.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 2220
AGRI 2350 3 credits
Agroecology
Students will examine the history of agroecology as a science, practice, and social movement and consider the vision it suggests for a more sustainable food system. Students will explore the role that agroecology plays in the transformation of food systems. They will study the interactions of the components of this discipline including: agricultural, ecological, economic, social, cultural, and political.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2322
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 2500 6 credits
Design Thinking: Food System connectivity in Design, Business and Agriculture
The study of agriculture-business and food systems facilitates transdisciplinary learning and research that is intimately linked to the understanding of sustainability and the cultures that they are embedded in. This Field School will provide opportunities for students to implement problem solving and critical thinking methodologies to help students develop an understanding of the important role that agriculture and food systems play in connecting all aspects of the economy, business, environment and society as well as the value of regional food systems. Students will visit farms and food related businesses locally, nationally and/or internationally. When studying food systems, students will compare and contrast financing, marketing, pricing and logistics of food production. NOTE: Students will spend two weeks at the Field School site in addition to class sessions on campus before and after travel. Students must be nineteen years or older at the start of the course. Students may earn credit for only one of DESN 2500, AGRI 2500 or BUSI 2500 as they are identical courses.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 30 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher
Cross-listing: DESN 2500
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 3120 3 credits
Agricultural Enterprise Design
Students will examine the unique aspects of small scale agricultural businesses and understand the diversity of agricultural businesses. They will compare and contrast small scale operations with commodity-based large scale agricultural enterprises to differentiate between the two business models. By interpreting financial statements, identifying business goals, conducting farm inventories, producing agricultural maps, and researching product markets, students will critique numerous agricultural enterprises.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 60 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, or permission from instructor
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 3130 3 credits
Business Plans for Agriculture
Students will produce a business plan for a small scale agricultural business. Starting with business goals, students will identify local agricultural market opportunities, determine products to sell, design agricultural operations, estimate revenues, and research costs. Through explaining the importance of research, record keeping, and generating accounting statements, students will prepare for future conversations to request funding.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 3120 or permission from instructor
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 3135 6 credits
Business of Agriculture
Students will examine the unique aspects of small scale agricultural business operations. They will study the critical factors involved in business development and management such as: goal setting, farm mapping and planning, business plan development, record keeping, employee management and marketing.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 60 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, or permission of instructor.
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 3150 3 credits
Agriculture and Energy
Learn to examine agriculture’s role as a producer and consumer of energy in the context of the ecosystem, food system and economy. Potential management options to improve agricultural energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and produce energy on farms through solar, wind, hydro, biopower, and biofuel technologies will also be explored.
Level: UG
AGRI 3220 3 credits
Agricultural Pests and Beneficials
Learn about the damaging insects, pathogens, weeds, and other organisms considered pests in agro-ecosystems. Natural enemies of pest organisms will also be introduced. Topics will include common characteristics of pest and beneficial organisms, taxonomy, anatomy, life cycles, habitat needs, and survival strategies.
Level: UG
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 3225 3 credits
AGRI 3230 3 credits
Agricultural Pest Management
Students will survey the evolution of agricultural pest management paradigms and the ecological impacts of changing approaches over time. Practical examples will be used to distinguish between cultural, physical, biological, behavioural, and chemical pest management strategies, and the ecological impacts of each. Current and historical case studies will guide critical assessment of the promise and reality of Integrated Pest Management, Genetic Modification, Sterile Insect Release, and emerging pest management technologies. Restrictions on pest management tactics imposed by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency and the Canadian organic standards, and the practical impacts of these rules, will be considered in light of the regulations' guiding principles and intent.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 3220
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 3260 3 credits
Animal Agriculture
Students will study introductory and general principles and practices utilized for small and large animal production, with an emphasis on small scale, low input, integrated methods and objectives. They will study breeds and breeding, nutrition and health, reproduction, sheltering, growth and development, behavior, egg, meat and milk production, and integration of stock with cropping systems on sustainable farms.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 60 credits
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 3270 3 credits
Vegetable Crop Production
Students will study the principles and practices utilized to cultivate vegetable crops, emphasizing but not limited to southwest British Columbia production (topics include adapted and novel crops and cultivars, field preparation, seeding, soil and nutrition management, water management, pest management, crop plant growth and development, crop maturation and harvest and post-harvest handling). They will also study integrated cropping system planning and management.
Level: UG
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 3280 3 credits
Fruit and Nut Crop Production
Students will study the principles and practices utilized in tree, small, bush, and cane fruit crops and nut crops cultivated in British Columbia (topics will include adapted and novel crops; climatic requirements; site selection and preparation; propagation; orchard, grove and patch planning and establishment; canopy management; pest, water, and fertility management; plant growth and development; crop maturation and harvest; and post-harvest handling and storage).
Level: UG
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 3290 3 credits
Agroecosystem Management I
Students will study the integrated application of food crop production principles and practices in a laboratory farm setting. They will focus on late winter and spring operations including planning seasonal operations and plantings, equipment assessment and maintenance; procuring seed and plants; establishing orchard and field plantings; perennial crops canopy management; soil, nutrition, irrigation and pest management regimes.
Level: UG
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 3390 6 credits
Agro-Ecosystems Management II
Students will build on the crop production principles and practices of integrated crop production covered in AGRI 3290. They will focus on spring and summer operations including work scheduling; transplant production; planting, transplanting, and direct seeding; fertility management; equipment use and maintenance; irrigation; pest management; weed management; warm season cover cropping; harvest; post-harvest management; and record keeping.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 3290
AGRI 3398 3 credits
Crop Physiology and Ecology
Students will explore the interactions of plant communities with their environment across plant life cycles and the implications of this interaction on the quantity and quality of crop yield. They will examine definitions of productivity as it relates to sustainable land use. Students will learn biochemical, physiological and ecological principles important to the growth and development of crops and interaction with the environment.
Level: UG
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 3399 3 credits
Research Project I
Students will continue to build and design their applied research project from AGRI 3225. They will complete the development of a research proposal which includes a justification, detailed workplan and budget for the project and implement the research.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 3225
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 3591 3 credits
Special Topics in Food Systems I
Students will engage in intensive study of a specific topic, as determined by the student and supervising faculty, and approved by the department. Students will study under the supervision and mentorship of a faculty member with requisite expertise in the area of study. Students will delineate learning objectives, develop a detailed study plan, conduct studies and submit a report(s). Note: Students may repeat this course, to study different topics, for up to 6 credits total.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 60 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 3599 3 credits
Directed Studies I
Students will carry out the study of a specific subject in sustainable agriculture under the direct supervision of a faculty member who will delineate learning objectives. The student will develop a detailed study plan, conduct studies and submit a report(s) or satisfactorily complete other means of evaluation which will include exams. Note: Students may repeat this course, to study different subjects, for up to 9 credits total.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): Both (a) 60 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, and (b) permission of instructor.
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 4100 3 credits
Crop Management Field Lab
Students will apply practical field skills in the management of organic field crops on a diversified farm. They will contribute to crop establishment, management, harvest, marketing, and agricultural pest and beneficial organism monitoring and management. Cultural, physical, behavioural, and biological pest control strategies will be emphasized and integrated. Chemical control will be avoided if possible, and limited to products allowed for use in organic production systems. Field and laboratory observations will be combined with an understanding of organisms' ecological needs and interactions to develop agroecosystem management strategies that reduce pest pressure and enable organic production. Students will also provide mentorship to junior students in the Applied Organic Agriculture II course. Note: This course is only offered during the summer term.
Level: UG
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 4190 3 credits
Agro-Ecosystems Management III
Students will continue to build on integrated crop production principles and practices learned in previous Agro-Ecosystems Management courses. They will focus on fall operations including work scheduling, late season planting, season extension, fertility management, equipment use and maintenance, pest management, cool season cover cropping, harvest, post-harvest management, and record keeping.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 3390
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 4250 3 credits
Agroecology In Action
In this course, students will reflect on the skills and capacities they have developed in the Sustainable Agriculture program, and consider their next steps and contributions to this field. This exploration will be facilitated through various means including extensive writing and reflection, meeting professionals in the field and learning about work opportunities. Alongside instructors and professionals, each student will define a question they would like to explore. They will reflect and compile a portfolio that demonstrates how the skills and knowledge can be applied in the agricultural sector.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): AGRI 4100
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 4295 3 credits
Internship
Students will identify and participate in an approved internship in the agriculture and food systems sector for a minimum of 120 hours with supervision from a Sustainable Agriculture faculty member. Students will work toward completing specific outcomes and maintain records of their experience and upon completion will prepare a written report and give an oral presentation on their experience.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): 15 credits, including AGRI 1150
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 4298 3 credits
Agroecology as a Global Movement
In this class we will explore how agroecology has developed as a transnational social movement for more democratic, equitable, and sustainable agri-food systems. Students will analyze and lead discussions on a series of selected case studies from around the world, examining the barriers and successes that grassroots farmer movements have faced. We will consider the role of national and international governments, trade, civil society, farm workers, rural and urban communities, and social groups in shaping these movements, as well as the role of geographic and environmental factors. Students will then research and present their own case study, focusing on a grassroots group of their choosing that is working to make change in the food system.
Level: UG
AGRI 4299 3 credits
AGRI 4591 3 credits
Special Topics in Food Systems II
Students will engage in intensive study of a specific topic, as determined by the student and supervising faculty, and approved by the department. Students will study under the supervision and mentorship of a faculty member with requisite expertise in the area of study. Students will delineate learning objectives, develop a detailed study plan, conduct studies and submit a report(s). Note: Students may repeat this course, to study different topics, for up to 6 credits total.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): Both (a) 75 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, and (b) permission of instructor.
Attribute: SCIH
AGRI 4599 3 credits
Directed Studies II
Students will carry out the study of a specific subject in sustainable agriculture under the direct supervision of a faculty member who will delineate learning objectives. The student will develop a detailed study plan, conduct studies and submit a report(s) and/or satisfactorily complete other means of evaluation which will include exams. Note: Students may repeat this course, to study different subjects, for up to 9 credits total.
Level: UG
Prerequisite(s): Both (a) 90 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, and (b) permission of instructor.
Attribute: SCIH
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