Greenhouse Crop Production

Course Details

DATE: April 5th - 26th on Fridays

TIME: 9:00am - 11:30am

DURATION: 4 weeks

CLASS MODE OF DELIVERY: Online Classroom (Zoom)

EARLY BIRD PRICE: $1,200 TT

PROGRAM COST: $1,500 TT

Programme Schedule

The programme will run from April 5th to 26th, meeting Fridays 9:00 to 11:30 am in a virtual classroom.

Aims

Participants will gain familiarity with greenhouse infrastructure components such as superstructure, fertigation, and climate control systems, understanding their roles in cultivating food crops. They will also learn to identify common foliage and short- to medium-term crops, including indeterminate varieties, and comprehend their growth requirements for optimal production. Through hands-on experience, participants will plan, cultivate, and harvest food crops, using this knowledge to expand their crop portfolio as their business progresses. Additionally, they will acquire skills in effectively and sustainably utilizing growth regulators and pesticides, both chemical and non-chemical. Participants will grasp the concept of sustainability in greenhouse production, considering economic viability, social responsibility, and environmental impact. Furthermore, they will develop a business plan for a sustainable greenhouse enterprise, refining their value proposition and competitive advantage. Finally, participants will understand and adhere to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and international food safety guidelines (CODEX) toensure the safety and quality of their produce.

Participants

The course is tailored for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding and proficiency in greenhouse agriculture. Ideal participants include aspiring farmers eager to start or expand their agricultural ventures, current farmers looking to diversify their operations with greenhouse crops, and horticulturists aiming to specialize in greenhouse farming techniques. Additionally,agribusiness professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in greenhouse crop production,students pursuing studies in agriculture or horticulture, career changers transitioning into the agricultural sector, and entrepreneurs planning to establish their own greenhouse farming businesses would greatly benefit from this course. Through a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training, participants will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in greenhouse crop production, making this course valuable for individuals across variousbackgrounds and career stages.

Programme Description

An introduction to controlling the growing conditions in a greenhouse to cultivate safe and nutritious food crops. This course includes identifying and outlining the particular needs for cultivating crops that are frequently grown in greenhouses and shadow structures for the export markets. This course will also venture into other special businesses such as edible flowerproduction and strategic integrated farming systems.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Participants will learn to recognize the significance of sustainability and apply it to greenhouse crop production, ensuring practices that balance environmental preservation, economic viability, and social responsibility. By integrating scientific principles from plant science with foundational knowledge in physical and biological sciences, participants will develop and sustain plant systems within greenhouses that are resilient and environmentally friendly. Understanding the intricacies of the food value chain and strategic management principles in agribusiness will enable participants to make informed decisions and optimize operations throughout the production process. Additionally, participants will gain skills in effectively managing horticulture and crop science businesses, encompassing tasks such as workforce and equipment scheduling, cost estimation, inventory management, compliance with regulations, and maintaining professionalism in all aspects of operations.

Programme Structure

Module Content

Each class will be 2.5 hours long (online)
Four classes make up a course (1 class per week for 4 weeks)
Proposed time is Friday mornings at 9am to 11:30am. (One course per month)

Lecture 1
Introduction to Agriculture in the Caribbean
Factors of food crop production
Understanding soil health and microbial activity
Understanding crop science and plant physiology
Reviewing irrigation systems and their efficiency
Nutritional requirements for crops at various physiological stages
Demand for specially produced crops locally, regionally, internationally

Lecture 2
Pest and Disease Diagnosis and treatment
Managing heat and cold stresses
Choosing the best crop varieties for high production
Determining the best greenhouse design for special crops
Modern greenhouses and renewable energy systems
Fodder farming in greenhouse systems
Edible flower production Integrated farming systems

Lecture 3
Create your own business plan
Marketing plan
Operating plan
Financial plan
Funding sources and networking opportunities
Organization and strategic management principles
Sales strategy
Market research and competitor analysis
Unique selling proposition and pitching

Lecture 4
Present your business plans for evaluation and technical recommendations
Answer course questions
Connect students with the private and public sector networks

Learn About the Lecturer: Riyad Mohammed DBA cand., LLM, MBA, MSc, BSc

Riyadh Mohammed is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse educational background and a passion for strategic management within the agribusiness sector. Building upon an extensive academic journey, his specialization in structuring and managing the food supply chain, this program provided valuable insights into optimizing logistical processes within the food industry. He also focused on producing domestic livestock for food, specifically tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities present in the Caribbean region. Driven by a dedication to academic excellence and a commitment to the advancement of the agribusiness sector, Mr. Riyadh Mohammed combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience to contribute meaningfully to the field. With a comprehensive understanding of strategic management, international business transactions, logistics, supply chain management, and animal science, Mr. Mohammed is poised to make significant contributions to the agribusiness landscape.

Completion Requirements

At least 80% attendance and corresponding participation in class activities, completion of 80% of assignments, and participants will undergo assessments to gauge their understanding of the material and its practical application.

Course Credential

Participants who successfully complete the programme will earn a micro-credential pegged at the CARICOM Qualifications Framework Level 5 and will be issued with a Certificate from the University of the Southern Caribbean indicating the programme title, CQF level, the number of professional development hours and the overall letter grade. They will also be issued with a transcript showing the module completed.

Registration & Payment Instructions

Registration Process

To register for a PDI course:

Make a payment using any of the payment options outlined on the Payment tab.
Complete the registration form, located on the Register tab. You will be required to upload a copy of your receipt.

Making a Payment

Option One - Pay via Credit Card (TTD)

Go to: https://aeorion.usc.edu.tt/Anon/third-party-payment.aspx
Enter the third party payment key: 17034302
Select "Short Courses" from the Type of Payments dropdown menu.
Currency amounts can only be written in Trinidad and Tobago dollars.
Fill out your card details and billing information.
Verify that you have inserted the correct information and click “PAY NOW”.
You will receive an email as confirmation of your payment

Option Two – Pay by Online Transfer/Bank Deposit (TTD)

RBC Royal Bank Account Number: 1000-040-102-13404
Republic Bank Account Number: 3501-594-29201

Option Three - Pay via International Wire Transfer (USD)

Beneficiary: University of the Southern Caribbean
Beneficiary Address: Maracas Royal Road, St. Joseph
Beneficiary Account Number: 1000 180 103 16573
Beneficiary Bank Name: RBC Bank T&T Ltd.
Beneficiary Name Bank Address: St. Augustine Shopping Centre, EMR, St. Augustine
Swift Code: RBTTTTPX
Intermediary Bank: Bank of New York
Intermediary Bank Address: 48 Wall Street, NY, NY, USA ABA/Routing: 021-000-018
Intermediary Bank Account: 890-0016-329 in the name of RBC Bank T&T LTD