Bishop’s University

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS) Programs

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Cultivate Sustainability for Tomorrow’s Food Systems

Do you wish to become an active participant in making a difference in the world? Change how you think globally and act locally? Acquire skills in ecological food production, a comprehensive understanding of how agroecosystems work, and earn an internationally recognized “Permaculture Design Certificate”?

If so, a program in SAFS is for you!

Because Bishop’s University is located in an agriculturally rich environment, students have opportunities to visit, collaborate with, and benefit from farmers in the Estrie region. In fact, the SAFS programs puts a particular emphasis on field experience.

Furthermore, unlike other agricultural programs, the emphasis of the SAFS programs is on improving the sustainability of all aspects of agriculture and food systems – focusing on the social, economic and environmental aspects of agriculture in order to help students develop a thorough understanding of food systems from farm to table and beyond.

Courses offered will examine many aspects of modern agriculture and food systems, including scientific, entrepreneurial, and social issues, as well as global food security and climate change impacts. The SAFS courses incorporate real-world experiences to develop the skills needed to achieve a successful career as an agriculturalist, entrepreneur, food policy specialist, researcher, or in many other professions.

Learn more about our Educational Farm.

We Currently Offer Three Programs in SAFS

B.A. Major / Honours in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (48/60 credits)

Minor in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (24 credits) (MINSAF)

The SAFS minor may be taken with one of the following majors:

  • Geography (B.A.)
  • Environmental Studies (B.A.)
  • Environmental Science (B.Sc.)
  • Or any other major at Bishop’s University

See the Academic Calendar for details on majors.

Course requirements for minor:

  • AGR 100  Intro to Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
  • AGR 130 Environmental Implications of Agriculture
  • AGR 333  Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security
  • Additional required: Any 5 courses (15 credits) from the list of AGR coded course (see list of AGR-coded courses).
Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (30 credits) (CONSAF)

The certificate is a stand-alone 30-credit program, not associated with a degree major.

Course requirements for certificate:

  • AGR 100  Intro to Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
  • AGR 130 Environmental Implications of Agriculture
  • AGR 333  Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security
  • Additional required: Any 7 courses (21 credits) from the list of AGR coded course (see list of AGR-coded courses).
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Anticipated Future SAFS Programs*

  • B.Sc. Major in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, 84 credits
  • B.Sc. Honours in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, 90 credits

*The B.Sc. Majors and Honours programs in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS) were approved by the University Senate in December 2018, and are currently under external review.

Possible career paths

  • Agritourism operator/entrepreneur
  • Agribusiness manager
  • Organic farmer/market gardener
  • Agricultural consultant *
  • International development agent
  • Food security analyst
  • Agroecology scientist/researcher
  • Coordinator/educator of community agriculture program

* Current SAFS programs do not lead to agronomer certification in QC.