Thank you for applying for the 2025 Richmond Farm School Program.

The Richmond Farm School is part of the KPU Farm Schools Program run by the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. The program aims to inspire community focused, small-scale organic, regenerative agriculture through knowledge mobilization.


We couldn’t be more excited to invite you to fill out our application form!

Here are some notes about the application process:
  • Applications are accepted until March 1st, 2025.
  • Please allow at least 30 minutes to complete this application.
  • Please keep your answers concise, yet detailed.
  • Upon submission, your application will be reviewed by the KPU Farm Schools team. Following review, selected applicants will be invited for a 30 - 45 minute online interview with the Farm Schools Coordinator.

Please email us at farmschools@kpu.ca if you have any questions.

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* 1. Personal Details:

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* 2. Are you 19 or older?

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* 3. Contact information

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* 4. Mailing Address

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* 5. Why do you want to take the KPU Richmond Farm School program?

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* 6. What specific learning outcomes would you like to get out of the program? Please list your top 5 in bullet form.

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* 7. What previous experience (formal and/or informal) do you have with growing food, working outdoors, food systems, or food / farming related activities?

Note: You do not need any previous experience. This question is simply for us to gauge your knowledge and experience so we can make sure this program is a good fit for you.

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* 8. Our 8-month long program requires a strong commitment. We expect that our program participants are dedicated to the length of the program and being an active member of our classes and community. Our program takes place every Saturday from 9am to 4:30pm, March 15th to November 1st. We take long weekends from May through September off. In your planning, please also take into consideration the mandatory 30 hours of volunteer farm work as well as upkeep on your individual plot. Do you have any concerns about the length and or scope of this commitment?

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* 9. Small-scale vegetable production in itself is beneficial to the local food system and is only strengthened by community and collaboration with other farmers. At Farm School we are passionate about training farmers and are equally as passionate about connecting our participants to networks of growers and farmer communities that exist in the lower mainland and beyond. What does community mean to you and what is your level of interest in engaging in community building as part of your farm journey?

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* 10. During Farm School, you will be working outdoors regardless of the weather (rain, cold, and heat). You will work hard physically and be introduced to new ideas and ways of thinking. At times, you will be expected to work individually, in groups, or one on one with a peer or a program staff. Tasks can range from a singular activity to multiple activities in a day and can quickly change based on priorities and weather. Some people find this ever-changing combination of work challenging. Do you have any concerns with this style of work and pace?

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* 11. Farm School is not an accredited program, rather it is an informal training program designed to mobilize knowledge with the target to inspire small-scale organic regenerative agriculture. At Farm School our goal is to reduce barriers of entry to farming. We wish to co-ordinate learning opportunities for our participants that will give them a foundational understanding and hands-on experience of what it takes to be a small-scale vegetable farmer. We are not able to train you in every aspect of vegetable farming within the timeframe allotted but our goal is to prepare you for your next step in your farming journey. Are you comfortable with this statement and do these goals align with your expectations?

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* 12. We expect every person (program participant, staff, incubator farmer, visitor) to be respectful to each other, our program, the farm, and the University so that we can foster a safe learning environment and space to build community. We are committed to ensure that the farm is an ongoing safe space for community group learning. 1. How do you see yourself working in a diverse group of people? 2. How do you see yourself prioritizing your learning, while also ensuring others can prioritize theirs?

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* 13. Thinking ahead to finishing Farm School, are you planning to apply for an incubator plot of land to operate and launch your own farm business and be enrolled in our farm business incubator program? (Don’t know what our incubator program is? Read more here - https://www.kpu.ca/farmschools/incubator-program)

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* 14. Do you have any other questions, comments or concerns? (dependent on your application process and invitation to an interview, these will be answered during that interview) 

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