Program Overview

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Introduction to the UBC Farm Practicum in Sustainable Agriculture

The UBC Farm Practicum in Sustainable Agriculture is an experiential learning program that runs from April to October (or April to August for summer students). This program provides an introduction to small-scale organic mixed vegetable farming for sale through direct markets. It is designed for aspiring farmers and community food growers, as well as those seeking to deepen their understanding of the food system and the pursuit of food sovereignty.

About the Program

The Practicum program is hosted at the UBC Farm, a living laboratory of the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. Each year's Practicum cohort is made up of 15 students. The UBC Farm is the site of the majority of farming activities, guest speaker presentations, and classroom sessions. In addition, Practicum students visit a number of local farm operations in order to connect with other experienced growers and learn from their production methods.

Program Description

The UBC Farm Practicum program is a hands-on educational program designed to provide a full growing season in small-scale organic mixed vegetable production to aspiring farmers, community food growers, and those seeking to deepen their understanding of food systems and the pursuit of food sovereignty. The program is designed to give an expedited introduction to small-scale organic vegetable production beyond what one might learn working as a new field hand on a for-profit farm operation.

Curriculum

The curriculum is organized as a part-time, four- to six-month program balanced through the season with approximately 70% seasonal field production and direct marketing activities and 30% classroom sessions, faculty and guest speakers presentations, field trips, reading discussions, and student presentations. Students learn primarily through their integration with the wider ~8 acre organic mixed-vegetable farm on site and the field staff who manage it, as well as through their own growing spaces where they have more autonomy.

Qualifications and Application

Qualifications

• Basic English fluency
• Minimum age of 19
• Physical stamina to perform basic farming tasks over the course of the season
• Ability to stay and study in Canada for the entire duration of the program
• A strong interest in learning how to produce organic vegetables for sale
• A strong interest in deepening your understanding of the food system and the pursuit of food sovereignty

Application Pools

There are two application pools:

• Full Program, April 16 – October 24, 2026
• Summer Option, April 16 – August 22, 2026

Tuition and Fees

• The full 2026 program costs $5,200
• The Summer Option costs $3,950
• An $800 deposit will be due in November to secure your spot
• The remainder of the tuition will be due early in the new year
• Optional academic credits for UBC students will be an additional cost

Academic Credits

UBC students completing the full program are eligible to receive up to 9 academic credits (6 credits via APBI 365 and 3 credits via APBI 465). Summer option students (April-August) are eligible to receive 6 academic credits (via APBI 365).

Time Commitment

The program meets from April 16, 2026, until October 24, 2026 (with the “Summer Option” beginning on April 16 and ending August 22). During this time period, the program meets Thursday-Saturday, for approximately 20 hours per week, beginning at either 8am or 9am.

Attendance and Additional Time Commitment

To successfully complete the Practicum, 90% attendance of scheduled program hours is required. Students must also plan for and commit to an average of 5-7 hours/week in additional time outside program hours to establish, care for, and maintain their individual and shared plot spaces, and to complete assignments.

International Applications

International applications are welcome, but the program does not have the staff availability or resources to provide information or support regarding immigration, visa requirements, or housing.

Housing

No on-farm housing is provided. If you are considering this program and are not from the Vancouver area, you will need to arrange your own housing.

Certificate

Although the Practicum is not a degree program, students who complete all program requirements will receive a Certificate.

Career Paths

Alumni go on to start their own farming operations, obtain jobs on other farms, pursue advanced degrees related to agriculture and food systems, work in an educational capacity on farms and gardens, or work off-farm jobs related to creating a sustainable and socially just food system. Others pursue homesteading projects or grow food in community.

Support for the Program

The program welcomes support from allied organizations and individuals. Specifically, funding to support the bursary program, land access opportunities for program alumni, and donations of equipment and resources are sought.