Free Holland College course aims to help farmers cut energy costs, fight climate change

Holland College is offering a free course aimed to help farmers improve energy efficiency and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The fully subsidized program, called the agriculture energy assessment course, was developed in partnership with the P.E.I. Department of Agriculture. It supports the province's goal of becoming net-zero by 2040.

"It's just a way to get ahead of the game. I mean, [climate change] it's coming," said Adam Smith, manager of the customized training department at Holland College.

"We have to be able to identify these risks ahead of time, be able to implement strategies in order to alleviate those risks and save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

The program will teach the basics of energy conservation and how to conduct energy assessments. The end goal is for students to learn specific strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving long-term resiliency on farms. 

The course begins June 23 and still has a few seats available. Out of 30 total spots, Smith said about two dozen have already been filled. Interested applicants can apply via Holland College's website.

'Bridging a gap'

Ankita Shrestha, an agriculture energy systems specialist with the P.E.I. Department of Agriculture, said most energy audits on the Island have focused on residential buildings, not on the agriculture sector. 

Island Morning7:00Holland College is offering a new learning opportunity to farmers

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While the province is already supporting farmers through the Agriculture Energy Systems Pilot Program, Shrestha noted that many producers don't yet have the knowledge to identify which projects are most effective for their operations.

She said the new course will support them in identifying suitable energy-efficient improvements.

"That helps farmers to reduce their energy cost, lower their operating costs, and increase their profitability as well. So it's just kind of bridging a gap that P.E.I. has in the energy sector, in agriculture."

Hands-on learning

The course will begin with in-person sessions on June 23 and 24 at the college's Charlottetown campus, led by an expert in the field from Nova Scotia.

After that, students will complete a few weeks of online courses with support from a learning manager.

In mid-August, students will visit local farms to conduct real energy assessments.

"That will include developing a plan with prioritizing recommendations and predicting cost savings, and then ultimately implementing that into their operation," Smith said.

He said the course has attracted applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, not just farmers. 

"Anybody that has an interest in cost savings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and trying to better their operations on the agricultural side of things is going to benefit from this."

While funding is currently available for only the first cohort, Smith said early interest suggests the college will likely offer the program again.