Institute for Sustainable Food Systems

03/14/2026

03/06/2026

Free workshop on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, on "Getting Started with Container Gardening." in collaboration with Richmond Food Bank Society

We're excited to partner with KPU's Institute for Sustainable Food Systems for a series of garden workshops this year!

Join us on March 25 for the first workshop in the series. This session will cover the basics of container gardening and how to create a thriving garden even in small spaces.

What you’ll learn:
🪴 How to choose the right pots, soils, and growing media
🌱 Which plants grow best in containers and small spaces
🌼 Practical tips to support healthy plant growth

By the end of the workshop, you’ll feel confident setting up your own container garden, even in small or unconventional spaces.

📅 Wednesday, March 25
⏰ 3:00pm – 5:00pm
📍 Richmond Food Bank

⚠️ Spots are limited. Register via the link below!
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/getting-started-with-container-gardening-tickets-1984492406208?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/02/2026

Supporting B.C.’s food security with new technology, training
B.C. companies, research institutions advance food security through smart-farming KPU Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems

B.C. companies, research institutions advance food security through smart-farming systems.

01/31/2026

Hear from some of our Indigenous participants about their experience in joining the KPU Farm School

🌱 Testimonial from Penny Williams, Sqwá First Nation

“Because of this program, I now feel confident that I can help the Skwah/Sqwá First Nation organize and plan a field garden for the community that will feed the people. I know how to run a BCS and the correct steps that are needed to prep the field for growing fruit & vegetables. The program also taught me how the soil works, what good soil is, and things I can do to correct issues with the soil if it is not optimal for growing. Cutting back to produce more fruit in the plant, when is the right time to harvest, tips and tricks. Creating soil blocks and when to direct sow seeds. Planning out succession planting for the crop season and creating a good business plan. How to put together irrigation for the field. I learned so much that this is just to name a few."

"Learning about the soil I personally very valuable skill and piece of knowledge. Without good soil, there is no growing or very little."

"I have been able to share some of the tips on growing and how the soil works with the land department. In my own life, I have learned about what the plant is doing in my fridge when it sweats and how to get the most out of my vegetables after being harvested. What vegetables will last longer and why."

✨ Let's build Indigenous food sovereignty through hands-on learning, shared knowledge, and care for the land.

01/20/2026

One-year Fully Online Part-time graduate certificate program on Sustainable Food Systems & Food Security 🎓

2026 Online Info Session🌐
Mon, Jan 26, 2026, 5:30 - 6:30pm
Registration link in bio

Be part of a sustainable solution🌾

The way we grow, share, and consume food must be transformed. Climate change, corporate control, resource depletion, and food insecurity threaten communities worldwide.🌎

KPU’s Sustainable Food Systems & Security (SFSS) graduate certificate — a 1-year, part-time online program — prepares you to lead and be part of that transformation.

Learn to rethink food systems through sustainability, systems thinking, and community engagement — and apply your learning through a real-world capstone project.

This six-course online program critically examines contemporary food systems through a sustainability lens, systems thinking, and real-world change. Explore food systems reform, grassroots movements, and community engagement, culminating in an applied community capstone course to help shape a more sustainable future where you live.

Start creating a sustainable future where you live and build your professional network.

www.kpu.ca/arts/sfss

12/19/2025

12/17/2025

Are you looking for a hands-on farming course? We have openings for our 8-month Farm School program, and we’re welcoming Indigenous participants who want to learn more about small-scale agriculture.

🎉We offer sponsorships to cover program costs for selected Indigenous participants.
Sponsored spots are Limited – apply today! 🎉

💻For online Indigenous participants:
A sponsored space online
Fully online program access from your community, this means access to live online instruction, recorded guest speakers, and bi-weekly check-ins for questions and support. Get connected with a community of learners, growers, and farmers.

📍For in-person Indigenous participants:
A sponsored space in person
Travel fees reimbursed (up to a certain amount), which means intensive hands-on practice with guided in-person support supplemented with online lectures. Join a community of learners, growers, and farmers. In-person spots also include travel support* to help get you to the Richmond Farm.

Immerse yourself in practical skills, from soil health, crop families, and organic vegetable production to succession planting, season extension, ergonomic farming practices, and basic marketing principles.

This is a practical, non-credited course built for people ready to start growing. No experience is needed, just bring your passion.

Click links in our bio for application and more program details.

Application link: https://www.kpu.ca/science/isfs/rfsapplicationform
More details: https://www.kpu.ca/farmschools

Please indicate your interest in this Indigenous Sponsorship opportunity in your application.

*Travel support covers a portion of costs up to a set amount for eligible participants.

12/09/2025

Are you looking for land to farm?🌱
Do you want to grow food for the community?
Are you ready to increase your farming skills and knowledge?

The Neighbourhood Farmer Training is an immersive, community-rooted program that prepares capable growers to step confidently into successfully growing food for a local neighbourhood.🤝

Taking place on a 2-acre Organic farm located on Salt Spring Island, the first year of the program will run full-time from April through September 2026.

By the end of this year, you’ll not only be ready to manage your own farm, you’ll also be matched with land on Salt Spring through our established partnerships with local landholders who are eager to welcome new Neighbourhood Farmers.

Your first growing season on your own site begins in year two of the program.

At the heart of this initiative is the Neighbourhood Farm, which is a partnership between farmers and neighbours working together to grow and share food within their community.

Neighbourhood Farmer Training
Your Farm, Your Neighbourhood, Your Food

Link in Bio🌿

10/10/2025

Registration is free. Grab your spot here:
https://youngagrarians.org/events/nov-2-2025-land-sharing-surrey-bc/

🌱 Interested in Farming or Sharing Land?🌱

Are you looking for access to farmland — or have land you’d like to share with a farmer? Come join us for the Land Sharing Workshop hosted by Young Agrarians!

📅 Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
🕐 Time: 1:00 – 4:00 PM PT
📍 Location: Surrey, BC (on the territories of the Katzie, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, Sto:lo, and Tsawwassen Peoples)
🎟️ Cost: Free!

🔗 Registration:
find the link in Instagram bio.

✨ What to Expect:

Ve-Jane, Land Matcher for Metro Vancouver & the Fraser Valley, will guide a land sharing self-assessment activity to help you develop your own action plan.

Jenny Liu, Regional Agrologist, will share funding opportunities, resources, and insights on important regulations for landowners and farmers alike.

You’ll leave the workshop with the tools, knowledge, and connections you need to bring your land sharing vision to life!

📣 Whether you're a farmer seeking land or a landholder curious about supporting local agriculture, this event is for you!