Higher Technical Professional Course in Organic Plant Production

To manage agricultural production, natural resources and inputs, from farm planning, installation and monitoring of crops, placing the final product on the market, applying techniques and methodologies specific to organic farming, enabling the integration of qualified professionals in the field in the labor market.

Pursuant to the provisions of article 40-E of D.L. no. 74/2006, of March 24, they can apply for access to the CETESP’s:
Holders of a course of secondary education or legally equivalent qualification;
Those who have passed the specially appropriate tests to assess the ability to attend the higher education of those over 23 years of age for the course in question, in accordance with D.L. no. 64/2006, of 21 March, as amended by D.L. 113/2014 of July 16 and 63 of 2016 of September 13;
Relevant area for admission to the course (Article 11 (4) of D.L. no. 43/2014, of 18 March): Biology
Holders of a diploma of technological specialization, of a diploma of professional superior technician or of a higher education degree.

With the obtaining of the “Diploma of Superior Professional Technician” can exercise liberal profession, to work in companies of the row, organizations of farmers, cooperatives, public companies.
Access to higher education

Learning and evaluation languages: Portuguese

Competence benchmark:
Knowledge:
a) Basic knowledge of communication techniques; b) Basic knowledge of prevention of occupational risks; (c) specialized knowledge of organic farming techniques; d) Specialized knowledge of soil management and maintenance of its productive potential; e) Specialized knowledge of machinery management; f) Basic knowledge of the vegetative development of agricultural species; (g) specialized knowledge of organic farming systems; h) Specialized knowledge of cultural techniques; i) Fundamental knowledge of irrigation and drainage technologies; j) Fundamental knowledge of the enemies of crops; (k) specialized knowledge of means of combating the enemies of crops; l) Specialized knowledge of the conservation of plant products; m) specialized knowledge of marketing channels and marketing strategies; n) Specialized knowledge of conversion from the conventional way to the organic production mode; o) Specialized knowledge of the certification and other legal and regulatory provisions of the activity.
Skills
a) Apply communication techniques according to the defined strategies; b) Implement safety and health procedures; c) To apply the principles of organic farming; d) To evaluate the importance of autochthonous plant species for use in organic farming; e) Preserve and implement soil life and fertility; f) Framing crops in a regional ecosystem perspective; g) Select and use machines and equipment; h) Plan cultural operations; i) to apply appropriate cultural techniques to crops, from planting to harvesting; j) Adapt the irrigation system to existing resources and cultural specificities; k) Identify the enemies of the crops and decide on the most appropriate means of struggle; l) To ensure the conservation of plant products; m) Streamline marketing and marketing strategies; n) Design projects in the field of organic farming.
Attitudes:
a) Demonstrate ability and willingness to acquire new knowledge; b) Demonstrate ability to act in accordance with the principles of organic farming; c) Demonstrate autonomy in the analysis and resolution of current and unforeseen technical problems; d) Demonstrate capacity and initiative in the management, production and marketing of products. e) Demonstrate communication, cooperation and leadership capacity; f) Demonstrate rigor and discipline in meeting established goals and deadlines; g) Demonstrate ability to act in accordance with safety and health standards; h) Demonstrate respect for the principles of environmental protection and capacity to promote biodiversity; i) Demonstrate adaptability to innovation.

Access to a Higher Education Degree: Undergraduate Degree
In the Coimbra Agricultural College: direct access of graduates, to an application for access to the degrees in Biological Agriculture, Biotechnology, Forestry Sciences and Natural Resources, Agro-Livestock Engineering, Food Technology, Technology and Environmental management