Feeding the future.
Modern agriculture is growing to include technologies that boost crop yields, assist planning and management, along with utilizing more efficient and sustainable farming methods. With these revolutionary advancements, the agriculture industry requires knowledgeable technicians who are skilled in the latest techniques and standards.
In this Agriculture Technician Co-op program, you will be engaged in sustainable agriculture and exposed to the study of plants and animals, including the biological effects of soil, climate, chemical management activities, tillage, fertilization, and irrigation on plant and animal performance and enhancement. You will perform physical agriculture tasks combining energy, labor, skills, and machinery using the latest technology and best practices in a real-world setting on a day-to-day basis.
A broad range of course content is aimed at developing good analytical and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work effectively as a team member. After successfully completing this program, you will have a basic working knowledge of agricultural techniques and procedures related to the care of livestock and plants and should be able to safely operate farm equipment.
As a graduate of this program, you will be able to assist in overcoming challenges identified in the sector, including agriculture production, agriculture business development and risk management, sales and marketing, food safety and processing, livestock care and processing, and value-added agriculture.
If this has planted a seed of curiosity with you, dig further with us to find out more!
Program Highlights
- Agriculture Technician instructors and students have revitalized Corner Brook campus’s atrium, turning it into a lively display of an indoor jungle. They have created a green haven under the open glassed ceiling, making use of the sunlight and warmth in the space to create a tropical island feel
- Included is a field camp at the Centre for Agriculture and Forestry Development
- Learn to balance the market demands for various farm products with several socioeconomic factors including cost of production, taxation, research funding, technical assistance, land usage, and potential environmental impacts
Did You Know?
- Technological progress in agriculture is intrinsically linked to the rise of urban centers and commercial exchange. New technological developments have always been prevalent in this field.
- To help feed Government’s Agriculture Work Plan to enhance the sector, CNA partnered with Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, to break ground on a new two-year Agriculture Technician (Co-op) program in 2019.
- Students of the program were interviewed by The NL Farm and Food Show, Fit to Eat NL, in October 2022. The episode was a chance to chat with students in the class about their motivations, hopes, and expectations in farming.
OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Perform a wide variety of duties in support of agriculture using farm tools and equipment.
- Understand agriculture research priorities and procedures to assist the industry in moving toward a reliable, sustainable, and safe supply of food products.
- Prepare land, select seed and nutrient varieties, plant, harvest and market agriculture products.
- Care for livestock, as required on a day-to-day basis.
- Safely operate farm tractors, calibrate and maintain farm equipment, and attachments.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The province’s agriculture industry is a significant contributor to the economy of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. Agriculture Technicians can work with Provincial and Federal Governments, existing agriculture operations or develop their own farming enterprise.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Academic:
Eligibility for admission to the Agriculture Technician Diploma program requires the applicant to meet one of the following four academic criteria:
1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in eight level 3000 credits or equivalent.
2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate.
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program must be at least 19 years of age at the time of application and out of school for at least one (1) year to be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to
Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
CERTIFICATIONS
In addition to the formal courses listed in the program of studies, students in the Agriculture Technician program are required to complete or obtain valid certification in the following areas upon graduation:
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED
ATV Training
WHMIS/OHS
Chainsaw Safety
Pesticide Applicators Certification
Skid Steer Operation
Forklift Operation
Fall Arrest
NOTE: Students should be aware that additional fees apply for certifications, field trips/tours. Additional expenses will be necessary for the purchase of items of clothing required for scheduled labs and outdoor work.