Corporate Member Profile

SUSTAINABLE HORTICULTURE: 

Website: 

http://www.kpu.ca/ish

Corporate Member Profile: 

The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH) participates in applied research, extension and education through working with industry and community to promote a sustainable future. Our two applied research areas are; developing 'green technologies' for agriculture and horticulture, and planning municipal and bioregional food systems. ISH has partnered with its community to establish the Richmond Farm School at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. The Institute engages sustainability throughout is full spectrum of activities in food production, security and sovereignty.

Industry Leadership: 

The Biocontrol research group on the Langley campus develops native microbial bio-control products and partners with local companies and growers associations to bring these new products into the hands of growers. Other industry partners with whom the Institute collaborates on R&D are developing new "green" products such as biofertilizers, energy alternatives, and new crops and cropping systems. We have an active international project with Cuba in support of food security and sustainable agriculture which provides students with Internship opportunities with academic credit to work in the project.

Community Involvement: 

The Bioregional food planning group based on the Richmond campus, works with municipalities on local "Municipally Enabled Sustainable Agriculture" or MESA projects, which investigate the direct economic, environmental, and social benefits that result when municipalities invest in and support small scale agriculture in their communities. A second focus is on evaluating the potential for food systems organized at the eco-region scale and comprised of small-scale, human intensive, and ecologically sound supply chain components to improve food self-reliance, minimize environmental impact, contribute to the local economy, and strengthen communities.

Workplace Environment: 

The Institute has a LEED standard research lab and geothermal greenhouse at Kwantlens Langley campus. The lab not only supports our research but it is a pilot scale production plant for microbial insect pathogens (fungal and viral) which will provide growers, landscape care providers and home owners with sustainable biological solutions to pest and plant disease problems. The Bioregional food planning group is housed in offices at the Richmond campus, and the Farm School operates out of the Richmond Sharing Farm in Terra Nova, west Richmond. We provide Internship opportunities in our lab and greenhouse as well as internationally.

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