Course Description
Career Opportunities
Course Duration
Course Commencement Dates
Entrance Requirements
Application Procedures
Skills Recognition - Exemptions/Transfers
Pathways to Further Study
Course Outline
Assessment Methods
Materials
Qualification

Course Location and Contact Information

Course Description

This course covers all areas of organic farming and is designed to provide the necessary skills and knowledge to plan and manage an organic farm. The course is suited to farmers and rural landholders as well as people involved in the provision of technical services, organic fertilisers, crop protection agents and other organic inputs. It is also suitable for people in non-rural areas looking at sustainable land management practices.

The course teaches sound organic principles using soil management as the basis. The course is structured around the theories of soil mineral balance developed by American Soil Scientist and organic pioneer Dr. William Albrecht. It is designed to teach and prepare organic farmers to meet the requirements of Organic Certification.

The Diploma consists of 10 units covering all aspects of organic farming.

Students will also be required to carry out practical and assessment activities on their own or other properties. Work experience at local organic farms can be arranged for students.

This course is composed of competencies from the National Rural Production Training Package and so can be used to gain employment in agriculture anywhere in Australia.

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities are available in a range of organic agriculture areas as well as traditional agriculture.

Course Duration

Full-time: Two years or part-time equivalent.
Flexible delivery available.

Course Commencement Dates

Full-time: February
Part-time: February

Entrance Requirements

There are no formal requirements for this program but students will be expected to have a reasonable education standard or previous relevant experience in agriculture.

Application Procedures

Apply directly to the Agriculture and Animal Science Department.

Skills Recognition - Exemptions/Transfers

Students with previous agriculture training or work experience should discuss the possibility of receiving exemptions for this course.

Pathways to Further Study

As part of the National Rural Production Training Package this course can be used as credit towards higher studies in agriculture.

Course Outline

Year 1

RTF5521A Monitor and manage soils (120 hrs)
RTE5006A Plan and manage long-term weed, pest and/or disease control (130 hrs)
RTE5516A Develop a whole farm plan (120 hrs)
RTE5903A Plan, implement and review a quality assurance program (120 hrs)
RTE5103A Manage livestock production (180 hrs)

Total Hours - 670

Year 2

RTE5016A Develop Production Plans (140 hrs)
RTC5913A Collect and Manage Data (120 hrs)
RTF3014A Implement a Propagation Plan (90 hrs)
RTD5802A Support Group and Community Changes in Resource Management (100 hrs)
RTE5902A Develop and review a business plan (150 hrs)

Total Hours - 600

Total Course Hours - 1270

Assessment Methods

This is a competency based training program. Methods of assessment include:

• written activities and assignments
• oral activities
• participation in a group
• written and oral tests
• practical demonstrations or exercises
• projects.

Materials

Students will need work boots and suitable clothing for outdoor practicals.

Qualification

As part of the Australian Qualifications Framework this program is nationally recognised. On successful completion students will be awarded the Diploma of Agriculture (Organic Farming).

Links

The Victorian Government makes a significant contribution to these programs.