Quick links
Download our Mobile app
Icon for Apple. App Store Icon for Android. Google Play
Spring Registration Now Open
Connect with Us

Sustainable Local Food (Certificate)

Vegetables in a basket
Credential:
Durham College Certificate
Code:
SULF

Durham College Certificate

Program Description

The Sustainable Local Food certificate has been designed to meet a rising interest in the development of local food systems that are sustainable, socially just, economically dynamic and ecologically specific to the countryside, cities and regions of Canada. This certificate explores the practices, principles and philosophies involved in local food system development.

Certificate Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) including Grade 12 English (C or U) and Grade 11 Math (C, M or U)
    OR
    Grade 12 equivalency certificate achieved through College academic upgrading
    OR
    Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older) with Grade 12 English (C or U) and Grade 11 Math (C, M or U)

  • You must maintain an overall average of 60% or a GPA of 2.0 in order to graduate
  • A minimum of 25% of courses must be completed through Durham College.

Program Of Study

Students are required to print or save a copy of the Program of Study when beginning the program. This document contains critical details about program progression and graduation requirements specific to the academic year in which your program was started.

Click to access the Program of Study for the current academic year.

Students who began this program prior to the current academic year may contact the Professional and Part-Time Learning office at ppl@durhamcollege.ca or 905-721-3052 to obtain your Program of Study and graduation requirements.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be equipped to:

  • Compare components of a sustainable food system, both locally and globally, and related production technologies and systems
  • Analyze challenges related to changing food systems using select political, economic, ecological and local perspectives
  • Use research and evidence-based approaches to identify the impact of food policy, policy council models and food charters on farming and food systems
  • Identify causes and consequences of food insecurity in the community including potential solutions
  • Explore various approaches to urban agriculture, their challenges and impacts
  • Compare traditional and emerging food businesses and infrastructure and their contributions to a strong, vibrant and just local food system

Career Options

Potential career and industry options may include:

  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working on food issues
  • Farm organizations, conventional and organic
  • Economic development organizations
  • Government - municipal, provincial, federal (agriculture and food, trade, natural resources, environment, health, policy, etc)
  • The corporate sector, including food processors, distributors, retailers and industry associations
  • Public health and food security, including Public Health departments, food banks, and meal providers
  • Media and communications organizations, print and online
  • Education, including schools, education centres and training programs

Program Related Questions? Call 905.721.3052

If you are interested in applying for financial aid, please visit the Professional and Part-Time Learning OSAP Eligibility webpage.

Currently offered

Course Title Location/
Delivery Method
FOOD 1081Food System Trends and Policy in Canada TodayOnline
FOOD 1085Understanding Sustainable Farming: Principles and PracticesOnline