Registration for the new TMU Urban Farm Rooftop Farmer Training Program is now open!
With farming season around the corner, we’re thrilled to invite you to participate in our Rooftop Farmer Training Program.
The Rooftop Farmer Training Program is an immersive, hands-on course that will take participants through the basics of crop production on a green roof. From crop planning to greenhouse production, and from planting to harvest, participants will get an overview of what urban agriculture on a rooftop is all about.
This course consists of seven full-day sessions in the spring and topics covered include: farm planning and design, ecological soil health practices, food sovereignty, phenology and observation, wild plant and insect identification and more.
Who is this program for?
This program is open to those from all disciplines and backgrounds who are seeking to deepen their knowledge and skills in green roof urban agriculture. While this course is tailored to green roof urban agriculture, the content can be applied to soil-based, ground-level production methods. The course focuses on small-scale market gardening techniques and principles, but the course material can be applied to community or home-scale projects.
Location
The course will take place at Toronto Metropolitan University, beginning in classrooms in the morning and followed by field activities on the Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex (DCC) and/or George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre (ENG) rooftop farms in the afternoon.
Dates and times
Date: Weekly on Fridays from Friday, March 21 to Friday, May 16*
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
*Note: There are no sessions on Friday, April 18 and Friday, April 25.
Fees
- $600 + HST for the public
- $350 + HST for students
How to apply
The application criteria will prioritize those committed to applying the experience and knowledge gained in the program to their future endeavors in urban agriculture. The deadline to apply is February 28, 2025. There are limited spots available.
Not sure if the program is right for you?
Not sure if the intensive program is right for you? The Urban Farm also offers a beginner field workshop series (external link) to help you grow your farming skills!
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns about the Rooftop Farmer Training Program or the TMU Urban Farm, please email us at urbanfarm@torontomu.ca.
