different agencies and groups and to prevent duplication.


While the centre is connected to


the agriculture department at UFV, it’s separate, like an institute, and Baumann says the aim is to have a job that is one-third teaching, one- third research and one-third extension.


The centre collaborates with UFV and the provincial and federal agriculture ministries, including the new berry breeder, Michael Dossett, who was trained at the University of Oregon’s breeding program. With 25 years of berry research under its belt, UFV has a history with the industry.


Currently, a broad-based one-year certificate or two-year diploma program is offered in agriculture technology, with a focus on Integrated Pest Management and organic sustainable horticulture. A special degree in Plant Science is planned for 2014.


Students can continue on to transfer with credit for the two-year diploma, into either the UFV Bachelor of Business Administration in Agriculture or the Olds College degree program in Alberta.


In the first two years, students can take such courses as pest biology and identification, greenhouse production, nursery production and propagation practices and soils, and soil fertility and of course fruit production.


There’s also a livestock program with similar opportunities. In addition, the centre has a connection to the University of Applied Sciences in Den Bosch, Holland, which students can attend on an exchange program.


SOUTHERN IRRIGATION


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1-800-663-2615 www.southerndrip.com


14 British Columbia Berry Grower • Spring 2013


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