Course Overview

Gain the skills and knowledge to grow your understanding of organic crop production to give you the tools to work within this growing sector. The collaborative design of this programme allows you to build on different experiences and networks. Learn alongside like-minded people while sharing knowledge of different production operations from inside and out of your region.       
 
You will learn from talented tutors and industry professionals while getting stuck into a highly engaged and practical learning environment. Turn theory into practice within your own nominated site or at the Toi Ohomai campus market garden. 
 
You’ll cover topics such as organic certification principles and standards, soil and nutrient management, biodiversity and cropping system management over the course of the year.  
 
Course delivery is face to face and online and you will attend interesting and inspirational field trips within the organic industry to see how organics is making a meaningful difference to the world. 

You'll be required to attend four workshops based in Tauranga at the Toi Ohomai campus (dates TBC):  

  • Soil Microbiology Lab and Testing 
  • Biogro & Biodiversity representative presentations 
  • OFNZ POD Access 
  • Organic Producer Tour 

Heather Sherwood

Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:

  • New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production (Crop Production) (Level 4)
Locations Tauranga
Next intake Jul 2025 View more details
Study options

1 year part-time

Total credits 60
StudyLink assistance Available
Indicative Fees To be confirmed for domestic students View full fees information
Eligibility View entry criteria

To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.

Career opportunities

  • Organic Fruit Production
  • Organic Grower
  • Market Gardeners
  • Orchardists
  • Vineyard Supervisors
  • Team Leaders
  • Organic Crop Supervisors, Monitors or Leading Hands
  • Organic Nursery Specialists 

Topics you'll cover

  • Biodiversity: understand biodiversity improvement practices and apply management strategies to improve biodiversity within an organic production system
  • Organic Principles and Certification: understand organic principles and compliance requirements and identify how these are applied to successful organic primary production operations
  • Soil and Nutrient Management: understand soil health practices and apply management strategies to improve soil quality and nutrient availability
  • Organic Crop Production: carry out specific production activities to implement and monitor an organic crop plan over a full production season

Course Fees

Indicative Fees * To be confirmed for domestic students

Please note, fees for our 2025 intakes are yet to be confirmed. Once they are, we will update our website to reflect the new 2025 fee amount.


Your final fee may vary if:

  • you have a choice of topics/papers to study
  • the qualification excludes GST
  • there are extra course materials to purchase
  • student levies apply

We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.

* Important fee information, and hints and tips

Help with fees

Are you Eligible for Free Fees?

There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.

Student Loans and Allowances

This course meets the requirements for student loan applications through StudyLink.

  • A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.

Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz

Scholarships

Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.


Course Entry Information

Entry criteria

  • NCEA Level 2 with passes in English/Te Reo Māori or education achievement at least equivalent to NCEA Level 2, or
  • A Level 3 qualification in Horticulture, Agriculture OR show equivalent skills and knowledge
  • Evidence of ability to complete academic and any other course requirements

Information Session

You’ll be invited to an information meeting. This is your opportunity to find out more about the course content and to make sure you're on the most appropriate course for your career aspirations and current level of experience.

Standard Entry Criteria

Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.

English language requirements

Level 4 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.


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Course Locations and Intake Information

When you enrol for this course you will be asked to nominate your preferred study location (with EIT, Wintec or Toi Ohomai). 

Location Campus Start Date
Tauranga Windermere Campus 14 Jul 2025 Apply now

Study options

  • 1 year part-time

Important dates

View calendar of start dates and events

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Further Study Options

Courses Offered at Toi Ohomai

Courses Currently Under Development at Toi Ohomai, or Offered at Other Institutions

New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production (Level 5)