Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Food Systems Assiniboine Community College - North Hill Campus (Brandon), Canada

Assiniboine’s nine-month Sustainable Food Systems advanced diploma provides training to work in the agri-food sector on problems of food security. Courses emphasize innovation in how food is produced and how harvests are managed, all in the context of food security, inside the greenhouse or in the field.

Graduates can access exciting work opportunities in food security or innovation in food production at the local, national or international level.  

Potential employers include the private sector, government departments, First Nations or nongovernmental organizations.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Analyze the social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to food insecurity, and propose solutions that promote sustainable and equitable access to healthy food.
• Apply horticultural practices and technologies, to increase yields and improve the efficiency of food production.
• Evaluate the nutritional value and quality of horticultural products, and develop strategies to optimize their production and distribution to meet the needs of diverse communities.
• Assess the risks and benefits of different horticultural production systems, including conventional, organic, and regenerative horticulture, and develop strategies to mitigate negative impacts and promote sustainability.
• Design and implement food security programs and policies, in collaboration with community stakeholders, that address the root causes of food insecurity and promote long-term food security.
• Evaluate the economic viability of different horticultural enterprises.
• Use tools to analyze and optimize horticultural production and distribution systems, including supply chain management, transportation, and storage.
• Develop and implement strategies to manage pests and diseases in horticultural crops, using sustainable and environmentally-friendly methods.
• Manage and operate a greenhouse facility, including understanding the principles of greenhouse design, climate control, and irrigation systems.
• Cultivate and manage a variety of crops in a greenhouse environment, including understanding plant physiology, growth requirements, and pest and disease management strategies specific to greenhouse crops.
• Understand and comply with relevant safety regulations and guidelines, including those related to chemical handling, equipment operation, and personal protective equipment.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including horticulturalists, policymakers, community members, and industry professionals, about food security issues and solutions in the horticultural sector.