Course CodeVHT009Fee CodeADDuration (approx)2500 hoursQualificationAdvanced Diploma Work in Production Horticulture Jobs in production horticulture require some kind of specialised knowledge pertaining to the area of production, as well as general horticultural knowledge which can be applied to their area . For instance, someone working in a native plant nursery would require an understanding of the optimal propagation techniques and growing conditions for a range of native plant species, whereas someone working in a vineyard will need to understand how to grow different types of grape vine in order to get the best yield for wine production and how to quickly identify and control pest and disease problems which may threaten a vintage. Modules Core ModulesThese modules provide foundation knowledge for the Qualification - Advanced Diploma In Horticulture (Crops). Biochemistry I - Plants BSC102 Botany I BSC104 Crops I (Outdoor Plant Production) BHT112 Forestry BAG109 Horticultural Research A BHT118 Machinery and Equipment BSC105 Soil Management - Crops BHT103 Farm Tourism BTR205 Horticultural Research B BHT241 Horticultural Resource Management BHT203 Plant Protection BHT207 Protected Plant Production BHT223 Agronomy IV - Legumes BAG311 Agronomy VI - Fibre Crops BAG311 Horticultural Marketing BHT304 Oil Crops - Agronomy V BAG312 Elective ModulesIn addition to the core modules, students study any 13 of the following 21 modules. Workshop I BGN103 Commercial Vegetable Production BHT222 Culinary Herbs VHT242 Cut Flower Orchids VHT240 Cut Flower Production BHT221 Cutting Propagation BHT211 Fruit Production - Warm Climate BHT217 Fruit Production -Temperate Climate BHT218 Hydroponic Management - Hydroponics II BHT213 Hydroponics I BHT224 Medicinal Herbs BHT227 Nut Production BHT219 Permaculture Systems BHT201 Plant Breeding BHT236 Seed Propagation BHT237 Workshop II BGN203 Cut Flower Bulbs BHT317 Hydroponics III BHT319 Mushroom Production BHT310 Organic Plant Culture BHT302 Warm Climate Nuts BHT308 Note that each module in the Qualification - Advanced Diploma In Horticulture (Crops) is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately. What about Organics? Organic crop production is one of several production methods that will be considered throughout this course. Other options may include traditional farming (not limited to organic guidelines) and hydroponic farming. Most commercial crops tend to be grown as monocultures, which offers ease of management because all crop plants are the same in an area and the way they are treated will be uniform. As such everything from soil preparation to mechanised planting and harvesting is possible. Growing a polyculture, with two or more different crop plants growing together, is far more difficult to manage, however the polyculture does have advantages for the environment and soil quality, long term. It is also not as prone to disease and pest problems as monoculture can be. Worldwide there is an increasing demand for food grown without chemicals. While chemical fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides have brought many benefits to both farmers and consumers – large quantities of inexpensive, high quality, blemish-free produce for many months of the year – many people now realise the problems associated with chemical farming. The organics movement is rapidly increasing as consumers look for healthier, safer alternatives. Organic certification schemes have been set up to ensure ‘organic produce’ is really organic and that it complies with national and international standards. Organic Certification Organic certification schemes operate in a number of countries. You need to know and understand schemes for not only countries where you grow, but also where you hope to sell organic produce. The organic produce market is particularly significant in some countries (e.g. the U.K.). Examples - The arrangements for certification may change from time to time and need to be checked if and when you seek it however the broad principles remain relatively constant. The following examples refer to the situation in the UK and Australia at one point in time. Certification in the UK There have been eleven certification bodies accredited with the United Kingdom Register of Organic Food Standards (UKROFS). The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA UK) publishes this certification document. The certification bodies include: The Organic Farmers and Growers Ltd The Soil Association Scottish Organic Producers Association Bio-Dynamic Agricultural Association Certification in Australia There have been seven established organic certification groups in Australia that provide a system for certifying organic produce. These groups include: NASAA – the National Association of Sustainable Agriculture Australia BFA – the Biological Farmers of Australia OGA – the Organic Growers of Australia BDRI – The Biodynamic Research Institute, certifying products as biodynamic under the Demeter® label. All of these groups are bound by the same regulatory body – the Organic Industry Export Consultative Committee, or OIECC, which is a part of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. This body produces the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce, a document with which all organic certification bodies must comply. It is in the growers’ interests to obtain certification. Within Australia, all major outlets such as supermarkets and all organic wholesalers around the country will deal only in certified produce. While it is not illegal to sell produce domestically as 'organic', if it is not certified, it is illegal to sell it as 'certified organic'. When first converting or after application and acceptance a property is often classified as 'Organic Under Conversion'. Organic Techniques For most organic producers, organics isn’t just farming without chemicals. It means promoting the existing biological cycles, from micro-organisms in the soil to the plants and animals on the soil. It entails careful and efficient use of local resources, minimising pollution, and maintaining genetic diversity. The techniques used in organic farming include the following: Crop rotation – rotating crops to rest the soil, to prevent the build-up of pests and diseases, and to improve soil quality Intercropping – growing one or more temporary crops such as vegetables or herbs between rows of permanent crops such as fruit trees to improve diversity Composting and mulching – adding decomposed organic matter (compost) to the soil; covering the soil surface with organic matter; using sheet composting for larger areas Cultural control of pests/diseases/weeds – using resistant, hardy varieties; mulching; increasing the farm’s diversity; practising farm sanitation; rotating crops Physical control of pests/diseases/weeds – mowing, grazing, cultivating, burning; using traps and barriers. Biological control of pests/diseases/weeds – using companion plants; introducing predatory insects or fungi. WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS PROFESSIONAL LEVEL COURSE? Growers, managers, farmers Technicians Consultants, teachers, writers Those working in allied trades (marketing, business or management in horticulture) HOW TO ENROL Click box below on left hand side -follow instructions. IF YOU NEED ADVICE - click here to use our FREE ADVISORY SERVICE