Biodynamic Farming Diploma Program
This two-year, distance-learning-and-practical program is approved as a vocational program under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005 and is offered by Rudolf Steiner College Canada in collaboration with Demeter Canada.
Biodynamic Farming
Biodynamic farms are certified internationally by Demeter International. Canadian biodynamic farms produce food with a high nutritional value, herbs for the health care industry and grapes for wine making.
Biodynamic farming principles, developed in Europe by Rudolf Steiner in 1924, are considered the foundation of organic and regenerative agriculture. Steiner advocated avoiding synthetic fertilizers. Because of their lack of life, he felt, they could not maintain life or increase fertility in the soil. A hundred years later we have ample proof that these fertilizers and other synthetic inputs are responsible for destroying microbial life in the soil and contribute to chronic illness.
About the Program
This program has been developed in collaboration with working biodynamic farmers and international biodynamic institutions. It aims to convey a working knowledge of biodynamic farming principles and methods to both aspiring and seasoned farmers across Canada.
The RSCC Biodynamic Farming Diploma program is a two-year program providing students with 840 hours of education and practical experience enabling students to delve deeper into an understanding of biodynamic farming.
Program Duration
While the course is designed to be taken over two years, it is modular and can be taken over a longer period as suits the student. Online classes of theoretical modules will be scheduled at predetermined times throughout a calendar year. Module completion will require students to complete tests and prescribed tasks to demonstrate a satisfactory level of understanding.
Practical learning on biodynamic/organic farms is an integral part of the curriculum. Where possible, the college will assist with arranging suitable practicum placements, preferably within the student’s speciality of choice to provide evidence of know-how.
“Learning about biodynamic farming through a course at the Rudolf Steiner Centre Toronto (now Rudolf Steiner College Canada) in the late 1990s was a turning point in my farming career. For decades I had operated a berry farm near Richmond Hill, but after learning about biodynamics through a course at RSCT, I was inspired to start a biodynamic vineyard and make award-winning and commercially-successful biodynamic wines in Niagara-on-the-Lake.” — Bill Redelmeier, Southbrook Vineyards founder
“The answer to problems of human and animal health and degradation of our environment lies in maintaining a truly fertile soil by practices such as crop rotations, incorporating plenty of organic matter and the biodynamic preparations. The quality of the food we grow and eat is directly dependent on the cosmic energy that can come into living soil, and this is what supports our daily life. Consciously thinking about and working with these cosmic formative forces, and applying this knowledge in making the biodynamic preparations, is what distinguishes biodynamic farming from organic, regenerative farming and permaculture.” – Peter Proctor, 1997, “Grasp The Nettle”, New Zealand
Program Content
14 Mandatory Modules of Biodynamic Principles
– 360 hours – Theory: Online Presentations and Self-Study
All students are required to complete 14 mandatory modules totalling 360 hours. This includes online instruction, tests and research time for assignments.
Online classes will be at predetermined times, to allow students to start with the next available module. Presentations will consist of live online teaching and video recordings.
Elective Environmental Care Module
– select two from the list totalling 40 hours
Elective Human Development Module
– select two from the list totalling 40 hours
Experience Module
Select two from the list totalling 400 hours – this module is the practicum part which allows the student to gain practical experience preferably in the speciality field of their choice. At 40 hours per week (at 8hours per day x 5 days) this would take 10 weeks full time.
Students will be encouraged to gain much more practical farming experience during the time of study to improve their skills and gain confidence for a future in farming.
Total Program Duration – 840 hours
Students should bear in mind that these hours are given for guidance only and the amount of time required by individual learners will vary. For a list of program modules, click link below:
Prerequisites
• Students must be at least 18 with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent.
• The practical experiential components of the program require a certain level of physical strength and stamina appropriate for farm work, for example to be able to repeatedly lift and carry a minimum of 20 kg and walk long distances on rough terrain.
• Since much of the course is online, students will need to have ongoing access to a computer with an internet connection with sufficient bandwidth for video conferencing.
Fees and Registration
Total cost: $15,000 CAD + Registration Fee: $100
Student is responsible for their living and accommodation costs related to the program, e.g. during the practicum.
Payment Schedule:
With registration: $100
Year 1: Four quarterly payments of $1,875 – March, June, September, December. First payment of $1,875 is due upon signing the contract.
Year 2: Four quarterly payments of $1,875 – March, June, September, December.
Enroll now wtih online registration form
Diploma
Upon successful completion of all program requirements students will receive a Rudolf Steiner College Canada/Demeter Canada Diploma in Biodynamic Farming, approved as a vocational program under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.
This qualification prepares learners to work in:
• organic/biodynamic settings as a head gardener or farm manager
• post-harvest roles such as organic/biodynamic food processing and packaging
• organic or biodynamic certification services
• food advocacy and environmental protection agencies
• any organic/biodynamic enterprise
Completion of this diploma may encourage further study and research in saving our beloved planet.
Director, Biodynamic Farming Education
With over 30 years’ experience, Robby Gass is a seasoned agricultural manager, consultant and trainer for large scale mixed organic and biodynamic farming, soil biology and market gardening. Born and raised in South Africa to English-Scottish parents, Robby broadened his understanding and expertise as an educator and consultant in horticulture and organic farming, while earning an MSc in organic farming from SRUC Glasgow University. He also attended Dr. Elaine Ingham’s world-renowned Soil Food Web School in Oregon where he was awarded a certificate in soil microscopy.
“I am passionate about learning, teaching, and sharing knowledge, understanding and know-how, old and new, to leave Earth in a better condition than we received it. I invite you to join me in this work.” – Robby Gass
Demeter Canada
This program is offered in collaboration with Demeter Canada.
