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Olds College offers new controlled environment agriculture program

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has announced the launch of a new Indoor Agriculture Certificate program, the first of its kind offered in Canada.

Designed to meet the surging demand for skilled professionals in the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sector, this four-month program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and hands-on experience for a career in controlled environment agriculture, addressing the growing demand for sustainable and high-tech farming methods.

“We are very excited to offer a program that caters specifically to the controlled environment agriculture sector,” says Debbie Thompson, vice-president, academic at Olds College. “Our students will acquire essential skills in plant production techniques, modern technologies, and business practices that are crucial for success in this field”.

The Indoor Agriculture Certificate program offers a blend of on-campus and online courses, providing students with the flexibility to learn in diverse environments. The curriculum focuses on aspects such as crop production techniques, state-of-the-art technologies and business practices tailored to the CEA sector.

This program will welcome an inaugural cohort of thirty students in the fall of 2024, offering an opportunity for those seeking a career in controlled environment agriculture.

The Indoor Agriculture Certificate program is partially funded by the support of RBC, as part of a $150,000 commitment they made to Olds College earlier this summer to promote and advance research and innovation in the field of controlled environment agriculture.