- In the first year, students get to complete the requirements of either the Horticulture Crop Production and Protection certificate or the Livestock Production certificate before going on to year two. All courses from these certificates apply to the diploma program.
- In the second year, students develop additional expertise in their chosen area of practice, learn about sustainable holistic agricultural practices, and explore issues relating to on-farm food safety, quality, and security.
- Students also develop their writing, business, and marketing skills both by completing coursework and a hands-on enterprise project where they get to develop a business plan for an agricultural venture.
- Applicants with allergies to dust, pollen, or animal dander should be wary of entering this program.
- Students must have their own transportation and appropriate clothing, including steel-toed workboots, and are required to participate in on-the-job training at host farm/business sites without remuneration.
- To qualify for on-the-job training (practicum), students must be enrolled in the program full-time, with a minimum grade of pass in all the current semester's course work.
- Class field trips are mandatory, unless students are otherwise advised. These may be held outside of regularly scheduled classes, including Saturdays, and some expenses may be incurred by students.
- For all programs, a GPA of 2.00, or the permission of the department, is required for students who wish to register in a subsequent semester.
- To be eligible to graduate, students must have completed the Agriculture Technology diploma program with a minimum GPA of 2.00 and a minimum grade of pass in all courses.