- You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada.
- Successful completion of the Climate Smart Fundamentals microcredential is a pre-requisite of this training
This microcredential introduces the main sources of GHG emissions in cropping systems (tillage, nutrient management and pest management) and will assist learners in identifying cropland management practices to reduce GHG emissions and sequester carbon. Based on current research and best practices, learners will develop farm-specific strategies for their crops operation that reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon sequestration.
By the end of this training, learners will develop farm-specific strategies for a crop production operation that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration.
Note: Successful completion of the Climate Smart Agriculture Fundamentals microcredential is a pre-requisite for this microcredential.
The microcredential is online and asynchronous. Designed to offer flexibility, participants commence at any time and progress at their own pace. With a duration of 24 hours, the course is to be completed within a period of 5 weeks from the start date. Throughout the course, an instructor with a strong background in agriculture will provide support and guidance. Successful completion of the microcredential will require participants to submit an action plan detailing how they intend to reduce the carbon footprint of their business or industry.
By completing this microcredential, participants are contributing to global efforts to address climate change and foster sustainable practices.
Holland College has engaged and convened discussion(s) with a network of leading agricultural stakeholders across Prince Edward Island, including the PEI Agriculture Sector Council, PEI Federation of Agriculture, PEI Potato Board, East Prince Agri-Environment Association, the PEI Department of Agriculture & Land, and the PEI Department of Environment, Energy & Climate Action
Greenhouse gases (GHGs), including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), absorb radiation from the sun and trap heat in the atmosphere, effectively acting like a greenhouse or a layer of insulation for Earth. In Canada, 10% of GHG emissions are from crop and livestock production, excluding emissions from the use of fossil fuels or from fertilizer production. In Prince Edward Island, this number increases to 23% of GHG emissions. Of these emissions, crop production represents the primary source of GHG emissions, largely from nitrous oxide emissions arising from use of synthetic fertilizers, and CO2 release from tillage operations. While crop production is a source of GHG emissions, there are effective strategies to reduce emissions without adversely impacting farm profits. Furthermore, cropland is a potential sink for carbon dioxide, in the form of soil organic matter.
By the end of this training, learners will develop farm-specific strategies for a crop production operation that reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon sequestration.
The assessment for this microcredential will require learners to build upon the strategies developed in the Climate Smart Agriculture Fundamentals microcredential with strategies specific to a crop production operation, including:
Observe current and emerging practices;
Examine best management practices, including:
Select strategies that align with their operation’s goals; anticipate the impact of implementing chosen strategies; measure the success of strategies.
