QUALIFICATION - CERTIFICATE IN ALTERNATIVE FARMING VSS003

How to Have a Sustainable Organic Farm

Agriculture has seen massive changes in most developed countries over recent decades due to changes in global economics, technology and environmental concerns. This course provides an foundation for dealing with those changes, whether on your  own farm, or in a broader sense. A suitable course for:
  • Farmers or land owners who seek to adapt to a changing world
  • Anyone wanting to develop career opportunities in rural industries
  • Anyone working on farms or farm supply businesses

 

Learn to plan and operate a farm that is Environmentally and Economically Sustainable.

Today's world is putting pressures on farming that didn't exist in the past. Concerns about health together with a trend to globilisation, are impacting upon what the farmer produces and how it is produced. The world is different today economically, environmentally, technologically and socially than ever before.

If you are seeking a different & innovative approach to farming; this is a course for you!


Course Requirements

To obtain the certificate you must successfully complete assignments and pass exams in six modules as follows:

Compulsory Modules

  • Sustainable Agriculture
  • Organic Farming

Elective Modules:

Choose four relevant modules, from subjects including:

  • Agricultural Marketing
  • Animal Breeding
  • Aquaculture
  • Cut Flower Production
  • Herb Culture
  • Hydroponics I
  • Hydroponics II (Hydroponic Management)
  • Nut Production
  • Permaculture Systems
  • Plant Breeding
  • Poultry
  • Protected Plant Production
  • Trees for Rehabilitation
  • Viticulture

 

COMPULSORY MODULES

Module 1. Sustainable Agriculture

  • 8 lessons
  • 8 assignments
  • 100 hours
  1. Introduction: Scope, Nature of Sustainability
  2. Soils
  3. Water
  4. Land care: Weed control, Tree Management, Pest and Disease, Fire, etc.
  5. Financial Sustainability
  6. Broad Management Strategies
  7. Enterprise Selection & Management: Plants
  8. Enterprise Selection & Management: Animals

Module 2. Organic Farming

  • 10 lessons
  • 10 assignments
  • 100 hours

  1. Introduction to Organic Farming

    • nature
    • scope
    • history
    • types of organic farming
  2. Integrated Farm Management Systems -
    • rotation design
    • cash crops
    • managing waste
    • permaculture
    • polyculture
    • biodynamics etc
  3. Organic Management Issues -
    • certification
    • environmental concerns
    • marketing
    • PR
  4. Organic Soil Management and Crop Nutrition -
    • composting
    • mulching
    • green manuring
    • cover crops
    • organic fertilisers
  5. Weed Management -
    • selecting appropriate techniques of control
    • weed identification
  6. Pest and Disease Management-
    • Animals
    • Plants
  7. Livestock Management I-   
    • Beef
    • Dairy
    • Sheep
    • Pigs
  8. Livestock Management II -
    • Poultry
    • Goats
    • Alpacas
    • Ostriches
    • Deer
  9. Pasture-
    • Pasture Varieties
    • Management Principles
    • Intensive systems
    • nitrogen fixation
    • correct seed mix
    • risks with legumes
  10. Crops -
    • Wheat
    • Plant Fibre
    • Hay and Silage
    • Mung Beans
    • Sesame seed, etc


PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY

1. Stewardship

Sustainability is based on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Thus, stewardship of both natural and human resources is of primary importance. Stewardship of human resources includes consideration of social responsibilities such as working and living conditions of farm labourers, the needs of rural communities, and consumer health and safety. Stewardship of land and natural resources involves maintaining or enhancing our vital resource bases for the long term.

2. Systems 

A systems approach is essential to understanding sustainability. The “system” is envisioned in a broad sense, extending from the individual farm, to the local ecosystem, and to communities affected by this farming system both locally and globally. This emphasis on the entire system as a whole, allows us to get a larger and more encompassing overview of the consequences of farming practices on both human communities and the environment. Through a systems approach gives we can explore the interconnections between farming and other aspects of our environment. A systems approach also implies interdisciplinary effort between research and education. This requires not only the input of researchers from various disciplines, but also farmers, farm workers, consumers, policymakers and others.

Making the transition to sustainable agriculture is an on-going process. For farmers, the transition to sustainable agriculture normally requires a series of small, realistic steps. Family economics and personal goals will always influence just how fast or how far participants can go in the transition. It is important to realise that each small decision can make a difference and contribute to advancing the entire system further on the "sustainable agriculture continuum." 

3. Stakeholder Responsibility

Reaching the goal of “sustainable agriculture” is really the responsibility of all the participants in the system. This includes farmers and labourers, the policymakers and researchers, retailers and consumers alike. Each group has its own important part to play in the process and its own unique contribution to make. 

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE MUST ENSURE ALL ASPECTS OF AGRICULTURE ARE VIABLE AND CONTINUE TO BE VIABLE INTO THE DISTANT FUTURE: and this must include everything from ENVIRONMENT to SOCIETY and ECONOMICS.