This course covers all areas of organic farming and is designed to provide the necessary skills and knowledge to plan and manage an organic farm. The course is suited to farmers and rural landholders as well as people involved in the provision of technical services, organic fertilisers, crop protection agents and other organic inputs. It is also suitable for people in non-rural areas looking at sustainable land management practices.
The course teaches sound organic principles using soil management as the basis. The course is structured around the theories of soil mineral balance developed by American Soil Scientist and organic pioneer Dr. William Albrecht. It is designed to teach and prepare organic farmers to meet the requirements of Organic Certification.
The Diploma consists of 10 units covering all aspects of organic farming.
Students will also be required to carry out practical and assessment activities on their own or other properties. Work experience at local organic farms can be arranged for students.
This course is composed of competencies from the National Rural Production Training Package and so can be used to gain employment in agriculture anywhere in Australia.
About the Course
- Local Students
- International Students
- National Code: RTE50103
- Local Fees: fees and charges
Campus: Epping
Duration
Full-time: 2 years
Modes of Delivery
Further Study and Careers
Pathways to Further Study
As part of the National Rural Production Training Package this course can be used as credit towards higher studies in agriculture.
Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities are available in a range of organic agriculture areas as well as traditional agriculture.
Entrance Requirements
There are no formal requirements for this program but students will be expected to have a reasonable education standard or previous relevant experience in agriculture.
Materials
Assessment Methods
This is a competency based training program. Methods of assessment include: written activities and assignments, oral activities, participation in a group, written and oral tests, practical demonstrations or exercises, projects.
Materials
Students will need work boots and suitable clothing for outdoor practicals.
More Information
How to Apply
Local Students
Full-time (2010):
To start this course in 2010 apply directly to NMIT.
Fees
You could be eligible for a government subsidised place if you meet the citizenship/residency requirements* and
- you are under 20 (on 1 January of the year you will be taking the course); OR
- you are applying for a qualification higher than the one you already have.
If you do not meet this criteria contact the department to discuss your options.
Students can now apply for VET FEE-HELP assistance to pay tuition fees for this course.
Please note:
*The fees listed below do not apply to students who commenced their studies at NMIT before 1 July 2009.
*The fees listed below do not apply to International Students (see About this course above).
* Students are still required to pay amenities and materials on top of the fees stated below.
Units of Study
The Units of Study listed below have been approved for VET FEE-HELP**. You may be required to undertake additional Units of Study in order to obtain the qualification. You will need to determine your particular combination of Units of Study with the department.
| Code | Subject | Start Date | Finish Date | Census Date | Hours | Fees |
|---|
| RTC5913A | Collect and Manage Data |
|
120 | ||||
| RTD5802A | Support Group and Community Changes in Resource Management |
|
100 | ||||
| RTE5006A | Plan and manage long-term weed, pest and/or disease control |
|
130 | ||||
| RTE5016A | Develop Production Plans |
|
140 | ||||
| RTE5103A | Manage livestock production |
|
180 | ||||
| RTE5516A | Develop a whole farm plan |
|
120 | ||||
| RTE5902A | Develop and review a business plan |
|
150 | ||||
| RTE5903A | Plan, implement and review a quality assurance program |
|
120 | ||||
| RTF3014A | Implement a Propagation Plan |
|
90 | ||||
| RTF5521A | Monitor and manage soils |
|
120 | ||||
**Skills Recognition - Exemptions/Transfers
Students may be eligible for exemptions/transfers on the basis of previous qualifications, which must be provided as evidence of completion.
VET FEE-HELP helps you pay your VET tuition fees
You could be eligible to access a VET FEE-HELP loan to pay your VET tuition fees for a number of NMIT Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas.
You can apply for VET FEE-HELP if you’re a student studying in Australia who is:
- an Australian citizen or permanent humanitarian visa holder who is resident in Australia for the duration of the unit of study VET FEE-HELP is being applied for;
- enrolled on or before the census date* of an eligible unit of study through an approved VET provider;
- meet tax file number requirements;
- have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit
VET FEE-HELP allows eligible students to have all or part of their VET tuition fees paid by the Australian Government in the form of a loan**, regardless of whether you are eligible or not for a government funded place under Skills Reform.
Over their lifetime, students can access a VET FEE-HELP loan to pay their VET tuition fees, articulate into university and then add their university costs until the maximum FEE-HELP maximum is reached. There is no age restriction on VET FEE-HELP.
For further information, contact the department directly or for general information on VET FEE-HELP visit the DEEWR website and download the VET FEE-HELP Information Booklet.
NMIT Statement of VET Tuition Assurance
* If you have requested a VET FEE-HELP loan, but change your mind about studying, you must either cancel your Request for VET FEE-HELP assistance (in writing to NMIT) or withdraw your enrolment in each unit of study on or before its census date or you will incur a debt.
** A loan fee of 20% applies to al VET FEE-HELP loans
