VIU Cowichan

09/16/2026

Explore Agroecology at VIU

Explore ecological and farm biodiversity, climate-adaptation and ecosystem restoration strategies while building your understanding of sustainable approaches to agriculture and land management.

Online evening classes: October 29 to December 10
Thursdays, 6 to 9 pm

Optional in-person field days: November 14 and 21 in the Cowichan Valley

The course is delivered online, so you can participate from anywhere in BC. Optional in-person field days are highly recommended for those looking for additional hands-on learning and practical experience.

Registration is open now. Learn more and register through the link in our bio.

09/10/2026

A great way to kick off another school year at VIU Cowichan!

RockVIU was filled with lots of laughs, new connections and plenty of energy as we welcomed students back to campus.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! Here’s to a great year ahead!

08/12/2026

Ready to grow your skills in sustainable agriculture?

This fall at VIU Cowichan, build practical skills through Agriculture Micro-credentials that blend online learning with in-person field days.

Explore topics including:
• Soil health
• Agroecology
• Livestock husbandry
• Organic seed production

Perfect for farmers, market gardeners, agricultural workers and anyone passionate about agriculture and food systems.

Starting September 2026. Funding opportunities may be available for eligible learners.

Learn more and register at viu.ca/agriculture

07/02/2026

Great food, great company and unforgettable experiences!

VIU Cowichan's Long Table Dinners showcased the talent, creativity and hospitality of our Culinary Arts students while highlighting the hands-on learning that makes our Culinary Arts program so special.

06/29/2026

Congratulations, VIU Cowichan Graduates!

Over the past few weeks, we've had the pleasure of celebrating the achievements of our students and recognizing the dedication, resilience and hard work that brought them to this milestone.

To all of our graduates, thank you for being part of the VIU Cowichan community. We are so proud of your accomplishments and can't wait to see where your journey takes you next.

03/17/2026

Get more out of your farm equipment!

Join our Basic Maintenance and Operation of Farm Equipment (Large Engine) workshop and build the skills to keep your machinery running efficiently and reliably.

This hands-on session at Providence Farm will give you practical knowledge to maintain and operate large engine equipment with confidence, helping you improve performance and keep things running smoothly on your farm.

The workshop takes place on March 28, 2026, from 9 am to 1 pm at Providence Farm in Duncan

Register here: https://students.viu.ca/srs/cecourses.htm =course&area=AH&crsid=SWIC+012&allstart=N

02/13/2026

Last chance to register for Backyard Chickens workshop!

Want happy, healthy hens and better egg production? There are still a few spots left in our Backyard Chickens: How to Have a Healthy Flock workshop happening tomorrow, February 14, from 9 am to 1 pm at VIU Cowichan.

Learn all the essentials, including:
Breed selection
Coop design and predator protection
Feeding and nutrition
Flock health, biosecurity and common concerns

Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to improve their backyard flock care.

Register now, link in bio.

12/01/2025

Meet the experts leading our 2026 Agriculture Micro-credential courses!

Dr. Mélodie Arès-Monast, DVM - Livestock Husbandry Instructor
A Vancouver Island–based large-animal veterinarian, Dr. Mélodie works directly with farmers raising cattle, sheep, goats and other livestock across British Columbia. She’s passionate about sharing practical, science-based knowledge that helps producers make confident, informed decisions. Her teaching focuses on animal health, welfare, nutrition, disease prevention, breeding and real-world problem-solving to support more sustainable farm operations.

Mary Brittain - Seed Security Instructor
With more than 20 years of experience in organic seed production, Mary co-founded The Cottage Gardener Heirloom Seedhouse, a nationally recognized seed company offering 750+ heirloom varieties. She has taught seed growing across Canada and served as lead writer and instructor for the Canadian Organic Growers’ national online seed production course. Mary brings expertise in seed science and organic seed crop production and is excited to guide students through the world of organic vegetable seed systems.

Courses start January 2026. Register this year to apply for the BC Future Skills Grant and eligible learners may have their tuition fully covered.
Learn more and register: https://cowichan.viu.ca/professional-development-and-training/farming-fundamentals

11/10/2025

11/07/2025

Ready to grow your skills in sustainable farming? Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced farmer, VIU Cowichan’s agriculture courses have something for you!

Livestock Husbandry Fundamentals (Jan 8 to 29, 2026)
Learn practical livestock care, nutrition, housing and breeding for cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry. Includes online classes plus field days in the beautiful Cowichan Valley.

Seed Security: Organic Vegetable Seed Production (Feb 14 to Apr 18, 2026)
Discover organic seed production, certification, seed sovereignty and climate resilience. Developed with Canadian Organic Growers and SeedChange.

Learn from experts like Mary Brittain, founder of a renowned heirloom seed company, and Dr. Mélodie Arès-Monast, a large-animal vet passionate about sustainable farming.

Best part? These courses could be free! Funding through the BC Future Skills Grant may cover your tuition if you qualify.

Register this year to secure your spot and see if you qualify.

Learn more and sign up at https://cowichan.viu.ca/professional-development-and-training/farming-fundamentals