Overview

The program is designed for people who are independent learners and are working or hoping to work as professionals or volunteers in local food system development.

Seneca's online Sustainable Local Food certificate program explores the practices, principles and philosophies involved in local food system development and takes a systems approach to sustainable food and farming. Students will explore regional food initiatives taking place across Canada, as well as international best practices. The program encourages students to apply their theoretical learning to practical applications through online networking and research that is relevant to their own local community.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program will have the necessary skills and knowledge to secure employment within the expanding local food industry, including opportunities in the following areas:

• Farm organizations, both conventional and organic, including jobs as: farm and horticultural workers, small farm managers, greenhouse operators and seed company employees
• Businesses, including food processors, distributors, retailers, restaurants and industry associations, including jobs as: farmer's market managers, produce sales, food service operators and purchasing agents
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working on food issues, including jobs in: education centres, training programs, community gardens, food banks and shared kitchens, international economic development agencies
• Government at all levels, including provincial agriculture, food ministries and natural resources ministries, international trade organizations, municipal public health and policy departments.

Entry Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, OR 19 years of age or older.

You do not need to apply to begin this program. Start by ensuring you meet the admission requirements listed above and then register for the courses listed on the Curriculum page when they are offered

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students are able to:

• Define the foundations of a sustainable food system, both locally and globally, and related production technologies and systems.
• Explore the challenges related to changing food systems on political, social, economic and ecological levels.
• Discuss the impact of food policy, policy council models and food charters.
• Assess causes and consequences of food insecurity in Canada and both short and long term solutions.
• Explore various approaches to urban agriculture, their challenges and impacts.
• Compare traditional and emerging food businesses and infrastructure.

Credit for Prior Learning

Prior Learning Assessment

Earn college credits for what you already know.
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.

How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews, demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program Coordinator.

The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.

Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.

Transfer Credit

Many students who enter Seneca Polytechnic will have earned academic credits in postsecondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca Polytechnic program.

Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.

Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.

More Information

Please visit the Office of the Registrar.

Graduation/Convocation

Minimum Performance for Graduation

A student will be eligible to graduate from a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or graduate certificate program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.0.

A student will be eligible to graduate from a degree program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.5, which includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the courses in their main field of study and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in breadth courses.

Residency Requirements

A faculty of Seneca Polytechnic may recommend a student for a certificate, diploma or degree only after the student has earned a minimum of twenty-five percent of the credit for that program at Seneca.

Program Contacts

Ramya Kottapalli
Program Assistant
Ramya.Kottapalli@senecapolytechnic.ca
416.764.0975

For more information about this program, fill out the following form.