Trent University and ClearWater Farm Partner to Enrich Hands-on Learning and Research Opportunities for Students
New agreement will lead to practical student learning and research experiences in sustainable small-scale agriculture
With a mutual goal of preparing the sustainable agriculture leaders of the future, Trent University and ClearWater Farm are collaborating to enhance research and hands-on learning opportunities for students at the University.
“Trent University is excited to be partnering with ClearWater Farm. Our mutual interests and expertise in small-scale sustainable agriculture will enhance student and farmer-apprentice skills through practical experiences. Our students will build connections with farming experts at ClearWater, who can advise and support them as they enter the agriculture sector,” says Dr. Cathy Bruce, acting vice-president of Research and Innovation at Trent. “This partnership will also leverage Trent’s research expertise in the School of the Environment, and we look forward to collaborating on research initiatives to support sustainable practices, including addressing local and regional food security.”
Through the Memorandum of Understanding, signed on December 1, 2021, the two institutions will explore new pathways to micro-credential and for-credit courses, research collaborations, experiential farming opportunities, and special events.
ClearWater Farm is the flagship initiative of the Ontario Water Centre, an educational charitable organization aimed at nurturing young the eco-leaders of the future through youth-oriented experiential learning programs that showcase water-wise practices and technologies. Over the past four years, the Ontario Water Centre has developed, piloted and rolled out the Young Agripreneurs program, a multi-year apprenticeship based at ClearWater Farm designed to help young people transition to a career in regenerative agriculture. Its partnership with Trent University will allow ClearWater to expand its educational farming endeavours to the post-secondary education sector.
“In the short-term, while we are focused on the experiential dimensions of new farmer education, we believe academic learning provides an essential complementary framework for developing true expertise,” says Colin Dobell, executive director of the Ontario Water Centre. “We are hoping to partner with Trent to co-develop micro-credentialing opportunities for our ‘agripreneurs’ in a variety of fields required to succeed as a regenerative farmer.”
The partnership will enhance the commitment of both organizations to environmental science and greentech, small-scale sustainable agriculture, and learning from Indigenous knowledge and practices.
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
Cara Walsh, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6240 or carawalsh@trentu.ca