Click on the links below to find out more about Organic Farming Courses, workshops and seminars offered in Australia:
- Courses/ workshops: NSW
- Courses/ workshops: SA
- Courses/ workshops: WA
- Courses/ workshops: Qld
- Courses/ workshops: Vic
- Courses/ workshops: National
- Courses/ workshops: Online
If you would like to list a course or workshop related to organic and sustainable farming on this page please email the details to: events@bfa.com.au for consideration
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Course: National Diploma of Agriculture (Course no: 900 – Agriculture (organic production) )
Location: Albury NSW - National Environment Centre, Riverina Institute TAFE
A national Diploma of Agriculture specializing in organic farming and designed specifically for distance students working on farms and/or unable to attend classes. Each student has a qualified and experienced teacher, who is an organic farmer or farm advisor. The learning process involves research, questioning, and reflection on individual farming systems.
Further information, please see http://tiny.cc/efarm and follow the links to courses or contact Rob Fenton or Gerard Lawry on: (02) 6043 6700; rob.fenton@tafensw.edu.au
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Course: Certificate IV in (NRT - Nationally Recognised Training): Agriculture (Organic Production). Course no: 884
Location: Armidale NSW - New England Institute TAFE
Entry requirements: Year 10 or equivalent.
Intended for people operating existing production units or who are considering converting to organic methods or employment in organic enterprises. Further information: Ph (02) 6773 7700
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Course: Organic Farming Studies - Statement of Attainment. Course no: 652
Location: Bathurst NSW - Western Institute TAFE
This course is intended for people operating existing production units or who are considering converting to organic methods or employment in organic enterprises. When you finish this course you can apply for advanced standing in the Certificate IV in Organic Farming (0653).
Further information: John Dwyer ph 02 6338 2542; Cameron Fisk ph 02 6393 2683
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Course: Bachelor of Ecological Agriculture Systems
Location: Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW (Can be studied externally)
The Bachelor of Ecological Agriculture Systems incorporates subjects in organic agriculture & horticulture, biodynamics, permaculture and subjects related to ecological production. This course is primarily by distance but students can study internally. Further information; Course Coordinator Kerry Cochrane ph 02 6365 7579, email kcochrane@csu.edu.au.
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Courses: - Agriculture (Organic Production) Diploma (NRT) Course No: 900
- Agriculture (Organic Production) Certificate IV (NRT) Course No: 884
Location: Goulburn (Illawarra Institute TAFE)
For further information please contact Brian Faulkner ph 02 4823 1800
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Course: Introduction to Organic Gardening Module/Unit: 26912A
Location: Moss Vale (Illawarra Institute TAFE)
Short commercial course; $195
For further information: Ph 02 4823 1910
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Courses: - Agriculture (Organic Production) Diploma (NRT) Course No: 900
- Certificate IV in (NRT): Agriculture (Organic Production); Course No. 884
Location: Richmond (Western Sydney Institute TAFE)
Intended for people operating existing production units or who are considering converting to organic methods or employment in organic enterprises.
Further information: Email richmond.wsi@tafensw.edu.au; or contact Kay Carter, Head Teacher Agriculture on 02 45709 094; kay.carter@tafensw.edu.au. Course TBC.
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Course: Agriculture (Organic Production) Course No: 884
Location: Wollongbar (North Coast Institute TAFE)
The Organic Farming Certificate course has been running for 17 years and is tailored to suit new and existing growers wanting to upgrade their organic skills. Full- or part-time; includes day or evening sessions as well as practical sessions and farm visits. Further information: Dave Forrest email organicforrest@hotmail.com or ph 02 6688 4346
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No current courses listed - If you would like to list a related course or workshop on this page please email the details to: events@bfa.com.au for consideration
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No current courses listed - If you would like to list a related course or workshop on this page please email the details to: events@bfa.com.au for consideration
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Course: Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture
Location: Nation-wide (primarily QLd)
THIS COURSE IS FARM-READY APPROVED
Nutri-Tech Solutions (NTS) has been delivering four-day courses on sustainable farming techniques for over 8 years. FarmReady approved (Australian primary producers can receive reimbursement for the full course fee plus course related costs).
These courses are primarily held on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
For course dates visit: http://www.nutri-tech.com.au/seminar-dates.html
For further information: Ph. (07) 5472 9900; www.nutri-tech.com.au
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Diploma of Agriculture in Organics
Part time at Farmtec campus, Sale, eastern Victoria, or off campus via flexible delivery
Four intakes per year
Teacher: Alan Broughton
Contact Advance TAFE, 03 5142 2541
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Refresher course for fungal identification and microscope use.
Where: Dookie Campus of The University of Melbourne
When: 6 & 7 August 2011
This Early registration is strongly recommended because only 22 places are available in the laboratory. Please visit http://www.agpath.com.au/ for more information as it becomes available. Contact can be made to the Agpath office for further details—0413 013 247 or email agpath@dcsi.net.au.
Flier
Application form
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Soil Foodweb Interactions & Benefits to Plant Production
FarmReady Course ID number: FRTC0564
When: 1st August – 12th August 2011 - 2 week accredited course (+ 1 week home readings)
Where: Held at The University of Melbourne Dookie campus, Vic.
Course cost: 10 days $2,680.00 (GST Inclusive)
Student discounted price: $1,680.00 (GST Inclusive)
Flier
Application form
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Diploma of Agriculture, Organics, East Gippsland TAFE, Victoria
Discover the world of soil microbiology • Understand soil carbon fractions • Learn how you can grow crops AND build soil health. This introductory unit will give you credit towards the Diploma of Agriculture specialising in Organics.
Manage organic soil improvement unit
When: Starts 20 October 2010
Duration: 8 days (one day per week)
Where: East Gippsland TAFE, Farmtech Education Centre, Sale, Vic
Diploma of Agriculture in Organics
When: February 2011
Duration: 2 years
Where: East Gippsland TAFE, Farmtech Education Centre, Sale, Vic
More information?
Call Farmtech (03) 5144 7321; 1300 133 717; www.egtafe.vic.edu.au
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Course: The Diploma of Sustainable Agriculture
Location: Yarra Junction, Victoria
The Diploma of Sustainable Agriculture: within Australia
continues to be very important economically and socially and
there is demand for higher level technical competencies within
primary industries.
The Diploma is a Victorian Accredited Course designed for
farmers and others to be able to adapt to sustainable farming
principles including soil and water management and development
of biodiversity
For more information: John Brereton, Education Centre Gippsland, T: (03) 5622 6000
Course Details
Course: Diploma of Agriculture (Organic Production)
Location: Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE (NMIT)
This two-year Diploma of Agriculture (Organic Production) consists of ten modules, including soil management, livestock and cropping and conversion to organic production. This course is a nationally recognised Rural Production Training Accreditation.
Further information: Marli Draper ph (03) 9269 1042; marlid-aas@nmit.vic.edu.au
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Workshop: Holistic Management with Kirk Gadzia (hosted by RegenAg)
Location: Vic (4-6 Aug); Tas (9-11Aug), Qld (16-18 Aug), NSW (23-25 Aug)
THIS COURSE IS FARMREADY APPROVED
Join Kirk Gadzia as he tours Australia & New Zealand exclusively with RegenAG. This workshop module focuses on improving soil health and the biodiversity of rangelands and pastures, increasing grazing and wildlife capacity, increasing annual profits and enhancing livelihoods. Optimal rainfall usage, methods of reversing desertification, increasing food and water security and enhancing family relationships.
For more information visit: http://www.regenag.com/ or Ph: 07 4086 8019
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Workshop: Biofertile Farms with Paul Taylor & Eugenio Gras (hosted by RegenAg)
Location: Qld (1-3 Sep); Tas (6-8 Sep), Vic (13-15 Sep), NSW (29 Sep - 1 Oct)
THIS COURSE IS FARMREADY APPROVED
This first-ever double bill workshop will change your thinking on off-farm inputs and set you on the path towards healthy productive soil. Demystify the science of soil biology and eliminate costly inputs through nurturing soil life with compost & compost tea. Then boost your farm productivity with simple bio-fertiliser and biopesticide recipes brewed from common on-farm materials. Kick superphosphate addiction today.
For more information visit: http://www.regenag.com/ or Ph: 07 4086 8019
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Workshop: Keyline Farming with Darren J. Doherty (hosted by RegenAg)
Location: Tas (4-6 Oct); Vic (11-13 Oct), NSW (18-20 Oct), Qld (25 -27 Oct)
THIS COURSE IS FARMREADY APPROVED
Join the world's most respected Keyline practitioner for a blend of technical & practical sessions targeted at farmers, professional land managers, consultants, permaculture designers, earthmovers and anyone with an interest in regenerative land management and soil creation. Hold that precious water in the land and build topsoil rapidly while learning the principles and techniques of Keyline Design.
For more information visit: http://www.regenag.com/ or Ph: 07 4086 8019
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Workshop: Local Farms & Community with Joel Salatin (hosted by RegenAg)
Location: ACT (25-26 Nov); Tas (29-30 Nov), Vic (2-3 Dec), Qld (7-8 Dec), NSW (10-11 Dec)
THIS COURSE IS FARMREADY APPROVED
Joel Salatin is a masterful speaker whose humour and positive energy guarantees a rewarding experience. This workshop will explore Polyface's production of pastured poultry (eggs, broilers, turkeys), salad bar beef, pigaerator pork, forage-based rabbits & forestry products through to the relationship marketing that has made Polyface Farm the internationally recognised, and strictly local farm it is today.
For more information visit: http://www.regenag.com/ or Ph: 07 4086 8019
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Course: Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture
Location: Nation-wide
THIS COURSE IS FARM-READY APPROVED
Nutri-Tech Solutions (NTS) has been delivering four-day courses on sustainable farming techniques for over 8 years. FarmReady approved (Australian primary producers can receive reimbursement for the full course fee plus course related costs).
These courses are primarily held on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
For course dates visit: http://www.nutri-tech.com.au/seminar-dates.html
For further information: Ph. (07) 5472 9900; www.nutri-tech.com.au
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Workshops: Climate Change Workshops for Organic Producers
Locations: Nationwide from Aug – Dec. Locations include: AUG – Cairns, Rockhampton; SEP – Surat, Longreach, Augethella, Yarra Valley, Hepburn Springs, Albury, Shepparton, Gippsland, NE Tasmania, NW Tasmania, Hobart; OCT – SE South Australia; NOV – Nowra; DEC – Toowoomba
THESE COURSES ARE FARM-READY APPROVED
Thirty-six workshops will be hosted across Australia in 2010 under the Government’s FarmReady program to help producers better understand how to mitigate climate change risks.
The workshops cover a background to climate change and the carbon market, farming strategies that maintain production and sequester carbon, marketing and business impacts of climate change and how to find opportunities such as a value chain approach to marketing. The workshops bring together the latest research and best practice from organic producers from all around the world.
The workshops are specifically designed for producers thinking ‘organic’ and will include information regarding farm methods that maintain production and sequester carbon, including managing vegetative cover; use of green manures; cover crops; living mulches; crop rotations; native and improved pasture; and managing water resources. Operators will also learn skills including monitoring, reporting and finding opportunities in the changing marketplace e.g. a value chain approach to marketing.
The full day workshops will cost $40 for certified organic producers, which includes a hard copy of the Climate Change Manual.
To register your interest or for more information contact:
Tim Marshall M: 0412 473 230 E: tim@tmorganics.com
Adam Willson M: 0423 679 110 E: adam.willson@soilsystems.com.au
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Courses: Topoclimate Australia 2010 courses on understanding your soils, microclimates and water resources
Location: Nation-wide
THESE COURSES ARE FARM-READY APPROVED
Courses run on demand by Topoclimate Australia – ask for more information today. Learn how to map and measure your property’s soils, water resources and microclimates and use this information to improve your farm’s sustainable productivity; or diversify into new crops or pastures.
Contact: Gary Hutchinson Ph: 0428 770 420 E: garyh@topoclimate.com
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Courses:
- Online organic course 1: Introduction to conversion to organic
- Online organic course 2: Organic grain – is it for you?
- Online organic course 3: Organic dairy – is it for you?
THESE COURSES ARE FARMREADY APPROVED
Innovative online courses about what is involved in converting to certified organic production has now been released by organic specialist training provider TM Organics (www.tmorganics.com), in order to make the conversion to organic easier for farmers.
The courses are approved under the Farmready program (www.farmready.gov.au), which means that eligible farmers and land managers are fully reimbursed for the full cost of the courses once completed.
These courses are the first online courses approved for Farmready reimbursement.
Many farmers know that organic growing relies on soil improvement and increased organic matter (carbon) and accept that it would be better for their land, family health and the planet. However the lack of reliable sources of information on organic production methods and how certification works represents a significant barrier to change.
The courses are designed to overcome information hurdles when it comes to considering organic production and provide farmers with a practical understanding of what needs to be done to convert their farming operation to organic. They also de-mystifies many of the steps that take place when a farmer decides to become certified organic. Importantly, the ‘Introduction to conversion to organic’ helps farmers to develop an Organic Management Plan (OMP) which is the cornerstone of organic certification.
TM Organics director Tim Marshall says “We have applied our long-term involvement with organic standards and certification, and the experience of visiting many organic producers, to present reliable information and set out the necessary steps to becoming an organic producer. The online course is available anytime and is relevant to all producers”.
For more information:
Phone the TM Organics office on 08 8339 1250 or
Doug Adamson: 0418 95 96 99 or Tim Marshall: 0412 473 230
Visit: http://www.tmorganics.com/training/training-modules.html
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