Award in Organic Farming

Course starting on 26.10.2023

Applications welcomed till 05.10.2023

This course will give applicants a general introduction in organic farming. Learners will understand that organic farming entails a holistic approach towards the production of food and production without compromising the future generation of production. Organic farming is sustainable and it promotes the welfare of animals. The principles of care, fairness, health and ecology are enhanced while the methods and practices applied leads to the production of food without any residues of synthetic preservatives. The philosophy of organic agriculture is against genetically modified organisms. Regards the rearing of animals no antibiotics or growth hormones are allowed on the farm. This introduction course will instill insight in the learners to comprehend, appreciate and understand organic farming and provide them with the necessary skills to start their own organic business.

This is a 25 hrs of guided learning course. Students need to invest further hours in the course, which will include private study and home assignments.

Lessons are held as indicated on the prospectus and website.

Introduction to organic agriculture -principles. What is organic? Converting from conventional to organic. Provide basic knowledge on the principal natural pest control products used in the Mediterranean region. Supply useful information on the proper execution of treatments including time, dosages and combination of formulae. Hands on market gardening, fruit culture and free range layers.

Learning Outcome 1: Convert from conventional to organic practices

Unit Content

• Principles of organic agriculture
  • Regulations in organic agriculture – EEC No 2092/91
  • Distinguishing between conventional and organic practices
  • Conversion process – from conventional to organic practices
  • Soil Testing, Inspections, Malta Standards Authority

Learning Outcome 2: Apply a holistic approach towards organic production by embracing the principles of ecology, health, fairness and care

Unit Content

• Natural products for pest control
  • Organic fungicides for fungi control
  • Weed management
  • Soil management – bio-dynamics

Learning Outcome 3: Manage a horticultural unit and a poultry unit

Unit Content

• Rearing and managing layers in an organic way
  • Farm visits – hands on organic olive grove.
  • Farm visits- hands on layers / broilers unit.

The following are the suggested pre-requisites and/or entry requirements needed:
Pre-requisites:
• Farming background would be an asset.

Course participants may be awarded either an MCAST Certificate of Attendance or an MCAST Certificate of Achievement.

MCAST Certificate of Attendance

• An MCAST Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to those candidates who attend at least 80% of the lessons.

MCAST Certificate of Achievement

• An MCAST Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to those candidates who satisfy the 80% attendance criteria and also choose to sit and pass the course assessment/s.

• Students who opt not to sit for the assessment or fail (the assessment/s) will however be awarded the MCAST Certificate of Attendance provided that they fulfill the minimum attendance criteria as stated above.

If the student intends to obtain a Certificate of Achievement, she/he is required to sit for an assessment/s.  Assessment/s may take various forms such as a home assignment, class assignment, practical test and time constrained test.  However, the assessment/s is not compulsory and an applicant may choose not to sit for it.

There are no additional costs or special materials/equipment to bring