VIU Cowichan

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

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.

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

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

Grow your skills in sustainable farming!
Agroecology: Perspectives, Principles and Practices starts October 30.
Explore how biodiversity, climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration create resilient farms and communities.

Registration is also open for:
Livestock Husbandry Fundamentals (January 2026)
Seed Security: Organic Vegetable Seed Production (February 2026).

Funding opportunities are available! Visit viu.ca/agriculture to learn more, register and check if you qualify for grants to help cover tuition costs.

Don’t miss out! Sign up for our Agriculture newsletter to stay updated on upcoming courses and workshops at VIU Cowichan. https://campaign.viu.ca/agriculture-signup

New Student Pantry at VIU Cowichan!

Our new student pantry helps support students facing food insecurity, with free food and groceries available on campus. Thanks to the Access Fund, Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank and the Embark Student Foundation Major Grant Program, the pantry is stocked with fresh produce, milk, eggs, yogurt and more.

The Culinary Arts program also adds pre-packed lunches and food boxes from time to time so keep an eye out!

Take what you need, spread the word and help make sure no student goes hungry.

Agroecology: Perspectives, Principles and Practices start October 30!

Discover the art and science of agroecology and learn how ecological systems, biodiversity, and climate adaptation shape resilient farms and communities. This course uses a Two-Eyed Seeing approach to explore land management from ecological, social, and economic perspectives and you’ll even create your own biodiversity farm plan as a final project.

Online Classes: Thursdays, Oct 30 to Dec 11 (6 to 9 pm)

Field Days: Nov 15 and 29 (Cowichan Valley)

Registration is open!

Agroecology | Vancouver Island University | Canada Agroecology: Perspectives, Principles, and PracticesAgroecology is the study of the relationship between organisms on land that has been modified by humans.In this course you explore the social and natural sciences that shape agro-ecological principles and practices. This includes traditional or Ind...

What an amazing day at RockVIU Cowichan!
We loved welcoming our new students with games, prizes, music and campus tours. Big thanks to everyone who came out and made the day so special. We’re excited for the year ahead!

Sustainable Soils Management is starting September 4 at VIU Cowichan!

This course is led by Raelani Kesler, who brings a wealth of knowledge in soil health and regenerative farming practices. With years of experience supporting farmers and growers, Raelani is passionate about helping you understand soil as a living system and how to restore and sustain it.

Update! You can now take each Agriculture Micro-credential course separately! Choose the courses that fit your goals, whether that’s Soils, Agroecology, Seed Security, or Livestock Husbandry.

Learn more and register today: https://cowichan.viu.ca/professional-development-and-training/farming-fundamentals

Welcome back Raelani, your soils instructor!
Join the Sustainable Soils Management: Surviving to Thriving course this fall and explore the science of soil, soil communities and regenerative practices.

Raelani brings a wealth of experience as a farm educator and soil scientist, helping you develop practical skills to create thriving ecosystems.

Starts September

Learn more about the program and funding options: https://cowichan.viu.ca/professional-development-and-training/farming-fundamentals

Meet Your Instructor!
We’re excited to introduce Raelani, the instructor for the Sustainable Soils Management Micro-credential starting September 10! Originally from Whidbey Island in Washington State, the ancestral territory of the Coast Salish, Stillaguamish, Suquamish, and Tulalip peoples, Raelani brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the course. She holds a B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences from the University of Washington and an M.Sc. in Soil Science from UBC. With seven years of experience as a farm educator and laborer in the Pacific Northwest, she’s currently a Research Coordinator with the Sustainable Agricultural Landscapes Lab at UBC.
Join Raelani to explore the science of soil and learn how to create thriving ecosystems. We’re still accepting applications for this course, offered in collaboration with North Island College. Don’t miss out!
Register now and check your eligibility for the StrongerBC future skills grant. https://cowichan.viu.ca/professional-development-and-training/soils-management

Ready to grow your skills in sustainable agriculture?
This fall at VIU Cowichan, learn from local experts through a hands-on agriculture program that blend online learning with in-person field days.

Topics include:
• Soil health
• Agroecology
• Livestock husbandry
• Organic seed production
Perfect for farmers, gardeners and anyone passionate about agriculture and food systems.

Starts September 2025. Funding opportunities are available.

Learn more and register at viu.ca/agriculture