Agriculture Technology

Berry Production Essentials certificate

Note: AGRI 323 (Fruit Crop Production: Science & Practice) is only offered in odd-numbered years. Applications for this program are only accepted in years when AGRI 323 is offered.

This certificate is comprised of 18 credits (6 three-credit courses) and is designed for those entering the berry industry, who wish to gain sufficient knowledge and certification to position themselves for advances within the farm structure and as professional development for others whose employment requires up-to-date knowledge of berry production. The certificate can easily ladder into a Horticulture certificate program or Agriculture diploma at UFV, for students wishing to further their expertise and professional advancement in the horticulture industry.

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
2. One of the following Mathematics classes:
   • Foundations of Mathematics 11
   • Pre-calculus 11
   • Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 11
   • The formerly offered Principles of Mathematics 11, Applications of Mathematics 11, or Essentials of Mathematics 11
   • MATH 085 or equivalent
3. One of the following Grade 11 sciences:
   • Life Sciences 11, Biology 11, or BIO 083 (strongly recommended)
   • Chemistry 11 or CHEM 083
   • Earth Science 11
   • Physics 11 or PHYS 083
4. Applicants must meet the Entry-level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.
5. The Agriculture Technology department will also consider applicants if they can demonstrate that they have a reasonable chance for success. Applicants will be required to submit a portfolio and/or be interviewed.

When to apply

Applications are accepted in odd-numbered years only. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.

   Additional documents required for a complete application:

   • Proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent, and official transcripts (or interim transcripts) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements; or
   • Letter of permission from the Agriculture department.
2. Upon admission to the program applicants will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section.

Program duration

The Berry Production certificate is two semesters in duration, offered in both full- and part-time capacity.

Location

The program is located at the Canada Education Park (CEP) campus. Some courses may be available online.

Program outline

The certificate requires two hands-on horticulture lab classes, one introductory theory course in horticulture, a course in soils, a course in pest management fundamentals, and a course in fruit crop production.

Some courses have prerequisites. Prospective students are advised to meet with the Agriculture Technology department before commencing the program.

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or above) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV’s Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).

Residency

Students must complete at least 50% of the credits required in the certificate at UFV.

Graduation requirements

To be eligible to graduate, students must have completed the Berry Production Essentials certificate program with a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all courses.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.