28 THERE IS NO doubt that the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph is home to the province’s longeststanding and most recognized postsecondary programs for agricultural students. But now, other Ontario institutions are stepping up to provide more options for those considering diploma or certificate programs. With programs ranging from agricultural business to farm equipment operation, at least seven Ontario post-secondary institutions now offer students specialized agriculture study opportunities. COMMUNITY COLLEGE OFFERINGS The Business — Agriculture diploma program at Algonquin College’s Perth campus is a unique offering for students interested in advancing their business acumen. New in 2019, the two-year program offers co-op and non-co-op versions and combines accounting, communications, sales and other agriculture-specific business classes with production courses on animal health and nutrition and pest, disease, and weed management. THE BUSINESS – AGRICULTURE PROGRAM AT THE PERTH CAMPUS OF ALGONQUIN COLLEGE COMBINES AGRICULTURE WITH BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TRAINING. PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER DOELMAN. “It’s a great program because it’s broad and really meshes agriculture with learning how to run a business,” says recent graduate Rayleen DeJong of DeJong Acres near Georgian Bluffs. “I wanted a program that could help me take my parents’ business to the next level financially, and I’m really happy with what I learned and took away from it.” Business planning courses were a highlight for DeJong because she learned how to write a viable business plan for her family’s farm store and got experience pitching it to a panel of business owners and bankers. She also appreciated the practical knowledge and real-world experience she learned from the program’s instructors, most of whom are part-time teachers who either farm or have other careers in the agriculture industry. Algonquin College also offers a two-year Horticulture Industries program at the Ottawa campus. In collaboration with Algonquin College, the Business — Agriculture diploma program launched this fall at Northern College. Students will take specialized courses virtually through Algonquin College, with in-person classes held at Northern College’s Kirkland Lake campus. In central Ontario, Durham College offers two horticulture-focused diploma programs at the Whitby campus, Horticulture Technician and Horticulture — Food and Farming. The latter encompasses many aspects of food production, including soil and plant nutrition, plant propagation, product development, food processing, and food safety. A Sustainable Local Food certificate comprising six online courses taken on a part-time basis is also available. In Lindsay, Fleming College offers a 10-week Agricultural Equipment Operator certificate program at the Frost Campus. This program consists of eight courses on machinery management, preventative maintenance, Industry News Advancing education in agriculture MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS Rebecca Hannam
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