MHC adds Agroecology to program mix
Advertorial
An exciting new program has been added to Medicine Hat College’s academic offering, giving students interested in sustainable agriculture an opportunity to become a registered technologist in Agrology (RTAg), while staying close to home in the southern Prairies.
The two year Agroecology Technician diploma program provides students with the competencies required for producing food, forage, fiber, and fuel using sustainable methods, as well as a range of knowledge in the three E’s: environment, economics, and energy using systems theory.
Learners will engage in experiential learning opportunities to gain real-world experience in designing, monitoring and assessing sustainable agroecological systems, meeting the knowledge, technical skills, and performance competencies required for certification with the Alberta Institute of Agrologists.
“Medicine Hat College is excited to bring this opportunity to learners in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan as the program is well-aligned and serves the needs of our region and communities in terms of offering new streams of employment and alternative ways of doing agriculture,” explains the program’s coordinator, Brent Smith.
This program uniquely teaches a systems-thinking approach to sustainable agriculture and will equip learners with the knowledge and skills required for protecting and conserving natural ecosystems, as well as maximizing production systems that mimic natural systems such as perennial crops, diversity, rotations, limited/no till grazing, and many more.
“Agriculture is one of southern Alberta’s leading industries, and there is always going to be resources and demand for agriculture because everyone needs to eat,” adds Smith. “This program leverages an important part of our region’s economic sector and prepares students to find meaningful, long-term employment and a future income stream that’s not going to be subject to market forces.”
Employment opportunities that stem from the completion of the Agroecology Technician diploma include agricultural research technician, urban agriculture designer or landscaper, range management consultant or professional, and an environmental consultant.
Graduates will also be equipped with the entrepreneurial knowledge needed to start a business in sustainable agriculture or greenhouse horticulture, or support the takeover of a family agriculture business as a crop or livestock producer.
“An exciting aspect to this program is the innovative and creative opportunities in diversifying current practices and products that will emerge. Students will taught about free food production design systems, low input parks and community spaces, and drought-proofing and water harvesting that all have a profoundly positive impact on the future of our communities and our environment.
“Additionally, there are all kinds of agricultural products that our region is well-suited to produce that we are currently not taking advantage of, and this program can be influential in creating new industry and bringing subsequent jobs in our region,” remarks Smith.
Upon completion of the diploma, the opportunity further exists for students to transfer to universities offering sustainable agriculture programs.
Applications are now open for this program, with the first intake of students to begin their studies in Fall 2021.
For more information on MHC’s Agroecology Technician program or to apply, visit www.mhc.ab.ca. To schedule an appointment with a career specialist or academic advisor, call 1-866-282-8394.
