A Veterinary Approach to Sustainable Food and Farming

Created by Vet Sustain in conjunction with VetSalus

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Are you ready to support meaningful change for a sustainable future?

As veterinary professionals, we are in a unique position to take action and inspire others. As farm animal health professionals, we have privileged access to the farming businesses that represent our food system, the unrivalled trust of our clients, and a multidisciplinary skill set. With these tools, we are in an ideal position to help develop the sustainable food and farming system we need to meet the nutritional needs of our growing population, combat climate change, regenerate ecosystems, secure rural livelihoods and safeguard animal welfare.

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A Veterinary Approach to Sustainable Food and Farming will empower veterinary professionals working with farm animals to unlock their unique toolbox of skills and knowledge to help producers attain multiple sustainability objectives – for the benefit of the animals under our care, rural communities, wildlife and the wider environment. This online learning course has been written and developed by a collaborative team from Vet Sustain and VetSalus.

Sustainability course designed for veterinarians and paraprofessionals working with production animals
Self-Paced Online Learning Course
Designed to fit around busy work and life schedules

During this course you will study:

The Role of Veterinary Professionals in Sustainability
Farming Systems of the World
Better and Efficient Farming
Agro-ecological, organic, and regenerative agriculture
Driving Change and Sustainable and Regenerative Business

Course Curriculum

Take a closer look at the course, including some FREE lesson previews!

1. Course overview
  FREE PREVIEW
2. Welcome to the Course from Laura
3. Welcome to the Course from David
4. Modules
  FREE PREVIEW
5. What to Expect
  FREE PREVIEW
6. How to Navigate The Course - Top Tips
7. Pre-CPD Questionnaire
8. Directory of recommended reading and resources
9. About us
  FREE PREVIEW
10. Glossary of Terms
1. Tutorial 1
1. Brief overview
  FREE PREVIEW
2. Module champion: Ruth Clements
  FREE PREVIEW
3. TASK Module 1 Introductions
4. 1.1 Introduction
  FREE PREVIEW
5. 1.2 Sustainability 101
  FREE PREVIEW
6. TASK 1.2 Sustainability 101
7. 1.2.1 Sustainability 101
8. 1.2.1 Quick quiz
9. 1.3 The Anthropocene
10. TASK 1.3 The Anthropocene
11. DEEP DIVE 1.3 The Anthropocene
12. 1.3.1 The Anthropocene
13. DEEP DIVE 1.3.1 The Anthropocene
14. 1.3.1 Quick quiz
15. 1.4 Sustainability: a destination or journey?
16. TASK 1.4 Sustainability: a destination or journey?
17. 1.5 Meaningful change
18. TASK 1.5 Meaningful change
19. 1.5.1 Meaningful change
20. TASK 1.5.1 Meaningful change
21. 1.5.2 Meaningful change
22. TASK 1.5.2 Meaningful change
23. DEEP DIVE 1.5.2 Meaningful change
24. 1.5.2 Quick quiz
25. 1.6 Voluntary sustainability initiatives in food and farming
26. DEEP DIVE 1.6 Voluntary sustainability initiatives in food and farming
27. TASK 1.6 Voluntary sustainability initiatives in food and farming
28. 1.7 Why veterinary professionals?
29. 1.7.1 Why veterinary professionals?
30. 1.7.2 Why veterinary professionals?
31. TASK 1.7.2 Why veterinary professionals?
32. 1.7.2 Quick quiz
33. 1.8 A changing profession
34. TASK 1.8 A changing profession
35. DEEP DIVE 1.8 A changing profession
36. Final reflection
37. Introducing: The project
38. Project Guidelines
39. Assessment Strategy
40. References and further reading
1. Brief Overview
2. Module champion: Rob Howe
3. TASK Module 2 Introductions
4. 2.1 Introduction
5. 2.2 Sustainability in our own operations – why is it so important?
6. TASK 2.2 Sustainability in our own operations – why is it so important?
7. 2.2 Quick quiz
8. 2.3 What are other sectors doing?
9. DEEP DIVE 2.3 What are other sectors doing?
10. TASK 2.3 What are other sectors doing?
11. 2.4 Sustainability in clinical veterinary settings – responsible resource use
  FREE PREVIEW
12. DEEP DIVE 2.4 Sustainability in clinical veterinary settings – responsible resource use
13. 2.4.1 Sustainability in clinical veterinary settings – responsible resource use
14. DEEP DIVE 2.4.1 Sustainability in clinical veterinary settings – responsible resource use
15. 2.4.2 Sustainability in clinical veterinary settings – responsible resource use
16. 2.5 Sustainability in clinical veterinary settings – sustainable operations
17. TASK 2.5 Sustainability in clinical veterinary settings – sustainable operations
18. TASK 2.5 Sustainability in clinical veterinary settings – sustainable operations
19. DEEP DIVE 2.5 Sustainability in clinical veterinary settings – sustainable operations
20. 2.5.1 Sustainability in clinical veterinary settings – sustainable operations
21. DEEP DIVE 2.5.1 Sustainability in clinical veterinary settings – sustainable operations
22. TASK 2.5.1 Discuss Telemedicine
23. 2.5.1 Quick quiz
24. 2.6 Sustainability in clinical veterinary settings – use medicines responsibly
25. TASK 2.6 Sustainability in clinical veterinary settings – use medicines responsibly
26. DEEP DIVE 2.6 Sustainability in clinical veterinary settings – use medicines responsibly
27. 2.6 Quick quiz
28. 2.7 Sustainability in clinical veterinary settings – empowering the team
29. TASK 2.7 Sustainability in clinical veterinary settings – empowering the team
30. 2.7 Quick quiz
31. 2.8 Engaging and sustaining the whole veterinary team
32. TASK 2.8 Engaging and sustaining the whole veterinary team
33. DEEP DIVE 2.8 Engaging and sustaining the whole veterinary team
34. 2.8.1 Engaging and sustaining the whole veterinary team
35. Final reflection
36. References and further reading
1. Brief Overview
2. Module champion: Alice Geddes
3. TASK Module 3 Introductions
4. 3.1 Sustainability Challenges in our Food Systems
5. TASK 3.1 Sustainability Challenges in our Food Systems
6. 3.2 Sustainability challenges – Environment
7. DEEP DIVE 3.2 Sustainability challenges – Environment
8. DEEP DIVE 3.2 Sustainability challenges – Environment
9. 3.2.1 Sustainability challenges – Environment
10. TASK 3.2.1 Sustainability challenges – Environment
11. 3.2.3 Sustainability challenges - People & Animals
12. DEEP DIVE 3.2.3 Sustainability challenges - People & Animals
13. 3.2.4 Sustainability challenges - People
14. DEEP DIVE 3.2.4 Sustainability challenges - People
15. 3.3 Frameworks and approaches to consider sustainability challenges
16. DEEP DIVE 3.3 Frameworks and approaches to consider sustainability challenges
17. DEEP DIVE 3.3 Frameworks and approaches to consider sustainability challenges
18. 3.3 Quick quiz
19. 3.3.1 Ethics: People
20. 3.3.2 Ethics: Animals
21. TASK 3.3.2 Ethics: Animals
22. 3.3.3 Ethics: Animals
23. TASK 3.3.3 Ethics: Animals
24. 3.4 Opportunities for change
25. TASK 3.4 Opportunities for change
26. 3.4 Quick quiz
27. 3.5 Challenges or opportunities in food and farming – key debates
28. DEEP DIVE 3.5 Challenges or opportunities in food and farming – key debates
29. 3.5.1 Challenges or opportunities in food and farming – key debates
30. TASK 3.5.1 Challenges or opportunities in food and farming – key debates
31. 3.5.1 Quick quiz
32. 3.6 Changing demand to address sustainability
33. 3.6.1 Changing demand to address sustainability
34. 3.6.1 Quick quiz
35. Final Reflection
36. References and further reading
1. Brief Overview
2. Module Champion: David Black
3. TASK Module 4 Introductions
4. 4.1 Why do we farm?
5. TASK 4.1 Why do we farm?
6. 4.1.1 Why do we farm?
7. DEEP DIVE 4.1.1 Why do we farm?
8. 4.1.1 Quick quiz
9. 4.2 What do we farm?
10. 4.3 Where do we farm?
11. TASK 4.3 Where do we farm?
12. 4.4 Farming systems
13. DEEP DIVE 4.4 Farming systems
14. 4.4.1 Farming systems
15. 4.4.2 Farming systems
16. DEEP DIVE 4.4.2 Farming systems
17. TASK 4.4 Farming systems
18. 4.5 What wild food do we catch and harvest?
19. DEEP DIVE 4.5 What wild food do we catch and harvest?
20. 4.5 Quick quiz
21. 4.6 Farming Livelihoods
22. TASK 4.6 Farming Livelihoods
23. 4.6.1 Farming Livelihoods
24. TASK 4.6.1 Farming Livelihoods
25. 4.7 The role of veterinary professionals in different farming systems of the world
26. DEEP DIVE 4.7 The role of veterinary professionals in different farming systems of the world
27. 4.7 Quick quiz
28. Final Reflection
29. References
1. Tutorial 2
1. Brief Overview
2. Module Champion: Navaratnam Partheeban
3. TASK Module 5 Introductions
4. 5.1 Existing structures and classifications for ‘Better’ food and farming
5. 5.1.1 Legislation and policy
6. TASK 5.1.1 Legislation and policy
7. 5.2 Assurance schemes
8. TASK 5.2 Assurance schemes
9. 5.2 Quick Quiz
10. 5.3 Food business standards
11. TASK 5.3 Food business standards
12. 5.3.1 Food business standards
13. DEEP DIVE 5.3.1 Food business standards
14. 5.3.1 Quick Quiz
15. 5.4 The role of veterinary professionals in farming standards
16. 5.5 How can we assess which countries, companies and assurance schemes are supporting ‘Better’ farming?
17. TASK 5.5 How can we assess which countries, companies and assurance schemes are supporting ‘Better’ farming?
18. DEEP DIVE 5.5 How can we assess which countries, companies and assurance schemes are supporting ‘Better’ farming?
19. 5.5.1 Labour Rights Index
20. TASK 5.5.1 Assurance Schemes
21. 5.5.2 Animal Welfare
22. DEEP DIVE 5.5.2 Animal Welfare
23. DEEP DIVE 5.5.2 Animal Welfare
24. DEEP DIVE 5.5.2 Animal Welfare
25. 5.5.2 Quick quiz
26. 5.6 On-farm tools to measure ‘Better’ farming outcomes
27. TASK 5.6 On-farm tools to measure ‘Better’ farming outcomes
28. TASK 5.6 On-farm tools to measure ‘Better’ farming outcomes
29. 5.6.1 On-farm tools to measure ‘Better’ farming outcomes
30. DEEP DIVE 5.6 On-farm tools to measure ‘Better’ farming outcomes
31. 5.6 Quick quiz
32. 5.7 The importance of metrics
33. DEEP DIVE 5.7 The importance of metrics
34. 5.7.1 The importance of metrics
35. DEEP DIVE 5.7.1 The importance of metrics
36. TASK 5.7.1 The importance of metrics
37. 5.7.1 Quick quiz
38. Final reflection
39. References
1. Brief overview
2. Module Champion: Rachel Hayton
3. TASK Module 6 Introductions
4. 6.1 The history of farming
5. DEEP DIVE 6.1 The history of farming
6. 6.1 Quick quiz
7. TASK 6.1 The history of farming
8. 6.2 Post Green Revolution - Agricultural Intensification
9. DEEP DIVE 6.2 Post Green Revolution - Agricultural Intensification
10. 6.2 Quick quiz
11. Task 6.2 Post green revolution
12. 6.3 Efficient farming
13. TASK 6.3 Efficient farming
14. 6.3.1 Efficient farming
15. TASK 6.3.1 Efficient farming
16. 6.4 Sustainable intensification
17. DEEP DIVE 6.4 Sustainable intensification
18. DEEP DIVE 6.4 Sustainable intensification
19. 6.4 Quick Quiz
20. 6.5 The role of vets in efficient farming
21. 6.5 Quick quiz
22. TASK 6.5 The role of vets in efficient farming
23. 6.6 The impact of efficient farming practices on sustainability outcomes
24. TASK 6.6 The impact of efficient farming practices on sustainability outcomes
25. DEEP DIVE 6.6 The impact of efficient farming practices on sustainability outcomes
26. Final reflection
27. References
1. Brief Overview
2. Module Champion: Ed Bailey
3. TASK Module 7 Introductions
4. 7.1 Introduction to agroecology, organic and regenerative farming systems
5. TASK 7.1 Introduction to agroecology, organic and regenerative farming systems
6. 7.2 Agroecology
7. TASK 7.2 Agroecology
8. TASK 7.2 Agroecology
9. DEEP DIVE 7.2 Agroecology
10. DEEP DIVE 7.2 Agroecology
11. 7.2.1 Co-creation and knowledge sharing
12. DEEP DIVE 7.2.1 Co-creation and knowledge sharing
13. 7.2.1 Quick quiz
14. 7.2.1 Quick quiz
15. 7.3 Organic farming
16. TASK 7.3 Organic farming
17. DEEP DIVE 7.3 Organic farming
18. 7.3.1 Organic farming continued
19. DEEP DIVE 7.3.1 Organic farming continued
20. TASK 7.3.1 Organic farming continued
21. DEEP DIVE 7.3.1 Organic farming continued
22. 7.3.1 Quick quiz
23. 7.4 Regenerative farming
24. DEEP DIVE 7.4 Regenerative farming
25. 7.4.1 Regenerative farming continued
26. DEEP DIVE 7.4 Regenerative farming continued
27. TASK 7.4 Regenerative farming
28. 7.4 Quick Quiz
29. 7.5 Similarities and differences
30. DEEP DIVE 7.5 Similarities and differences
31. Final reflection
32. References
1. Brief Overview
2. Module champion: Alexandra Tomlinson
3. TASK Module 8 Introductions
4. 8.1 Introduction
5. DEEP DIVE 8.1 Introduction
6. 8.1 Quick quiz
7. 8.2 Nature-based production practices for terrestrial food animals: Pasture systems
8. DEEP DIVE 8.2 Nature-based production practices for terrestrial food animals: Pasture systems
9. DEEP DIVE 8.2 Nature-based production practices for terrestrial food animals: Pasture systems
10. DEEP DIVE 8.2 Nature-based production practices for terrestrial food animals: Pasture systems
11. TASK 8.2 Nature-based production practices for terrestrial food animals: Pasture systems
12. 8.2.1 Nature-based production practices for terrestrial food animals: Pasture systems
13. TASK 8.2.1 Nature-based production practices for terrestrial food animals: Pasture systems
14. DEEP DIVE 8.2.1 Nature-based production practices for terrestrial food animals: Pasture systems
15. 8.2.2 Nature-based production practices for terrestrial food animals: Pasture systems
16. TASK 8.2.2 Nature-based production practices for terrestrial food animals: Pasture systems
17. DEEP DIVE 8.2.2 Nature-based production practices for terrestrial food animals: Pasture systems
18. 8.3 Nature-based production practices for terrestrial food animals: Livestock and crop rotations
19. TASK 8.3 Nature-based production practices for terrestrial food animals: Livestock and crop rotations
20. 8.3.1 Nature-based production practices for terrestrial food animals: Livestock and crop rotations
21. DEEP DIVE 8.3.1 Nature-based production practices for terrestrial food animals: Livestock and crop rotations
22. 8.3.1 Quick quiz
23. 8.4 Nature-based production practices for aquatic food animals
24. TASK 8.4 Nature-based production practices for aquatic food animals
25. 8.4 Quick quiz
26. 8.5 Health outcomes in nature-based production models
27. DEEP DIVE 8.5 Health outcomes in nature-based production models
28. TASK 8.5 Health outcomes in nature-based production models
29. 8.5.1 Health outcomes in nature-based production models
30. TASK 8.5.1 Health outcomes in nature-based production models
31. 8.5.2 Nutritional and environmental needs
32. DEEP DIVE 8.5.2 Nutritional and environmental needs
33. DEEP DIVE 8.5.2 Nutritional and environmental needs
34. DEEP DIVE 8.5.2 Nutritional and environmental needs
35. TASK 8.5.2 Nutritional and environmental needs
36. DEEP DIVE 8.5.2 Nutritional and environmental needs
37. TASK 8.5.2 Nutritional and environmental needs
38. 8.5.2 Human health outcomes
39. TASK 8.5.2 Nutritional and environmental needs
40. 8.5.2 Quick Quiz
41. 8.6 Final Reflection
42. References
1. Brief overview
2. Module champion: Lisa Morgans
3. TASK Module 9 Introductions
4. 9.1 “People want change, but do not want to be changed.” Why is change so difficult?
5. TASK 9.1 “People want change, but do not want to be changed.” Why is change so difficult?
6. DEEP DIVE 9.1 “People want change, but do not want to be changed.” Why is change so difficult?
7. 9.1 Quick quiz
8. 9.2 What the science says: The reason for performing a behaviour
9. TASK 9.2 What the science says: The reason for performing a behaviour
10. 9.2.1 What the science says: The reason for performing a behaviour
11. 9.2.1 Quick quiz
12. 9.3 Veterinary professionals as ‘Change Makers’
13. TASK 9.3 Veterinary professionals as ‘Change Makers’
14. 9.4 Theory into practice
15. TASK 9.4 Theory into practice
16. TASK 9.4.1 Theory into practice
17. DEEP DIVE 9.4.1 Theory into practice
18. 9.4.1 Quick quiz
19. 9.5 Participatory Herd Health Planning: Embedding sustainability principles and whole farm concepts
20. 9.5 Quick quiz
21. DEEP DIVE 9.5 Participatory Herd Health Planning: Embedding sustainability principles and whole farm concepts
22. TASK 9.5 Participatory Herd Health Planning: Embedding sustainability principles and whole farm concepts
23. 9.6 Leveraging a changing policy landscape for client benefit
24. DEEP DIVE 9.6 Leveraging a changing policy landscape for client benefit
25. DEEP DIVE 9.6 Leveraging a changing policy landscape for client benefit
26. TASK 9.6 Leveraging a changing policy landscape for client benefit
27. Final reflection
28. References
1. Tutorial 3
1. Brief overview
2. Module champion: Ruth Layton
3. TASK Module 10 Introductions
4. 10.1 What does the world need?
5. 10.2 Rethinking traditional business concepts
6. DEEP DIVE 10.2 Rethinking traditional business concepts
7. DEEP DIVE 10.2 Rethinking traditional business concepts
8. TASK 10.2 Rethinking traditional business concepts
9. 10.2.1 Rethinking traditional business concepts
10. TASK 10.2.1 Rethinking traditional business concepts
11. 10.2.2 Rethinking traditional business concepts
12. DEEP DIVE 10.2.2 Rethinking traditional business concepts
13. DEEP DIVE 10.2.2 Rethinking traditional business concepts
14. TASK 10.2.2 Rethinking traditional business concepts
15. 10.2.2 Quick quiz
16. 10.3 Existing frameworks for ‘good businesses’
17. TASK 10.3 Existing frameworks for ‘good businesses’
18. 10.3.1 Existing frameworks for ‘good businesses’
19. DEEP DIVE 10.3.1 Existing frameworks for ‘good businesses’
20. TASK 10.3.1 Existing frameworks for ‘good businesses’
21. 10.3.2 Existing frameworks for ‘good businesses’
22. DEEP DIVE 10.3.2 Existing frameworks for ‘good businesses’
23. DEEP DIVE 10.3.2 Existing frameworks for ‘good businesses’
24. TASK 10.3.2 Existing frameworks for ‘good businesses’
25. 10.3.2 Quick quiz
26. 10.4 From sustainable to regenerative – the new business frontier?
27. 10.4 Quick quiz
28. DEEP DIVE 10.4 From sustainable to regenerative – the new business frontier?
29. 10.5 Business planning in a regenerative economy
30. TASK 10.5 Business planning in a regenerative economy
31. 10.5 Quick quiz
32. Final reflection
33. References
1. AVASFF Assignment
2. Course Conclusion
3. Post-CPD Questionnaire

About this course

£1,500.00
358 lessons
Live and Recorded Tutorials from Course Facilitator
Interactive Content including Charts and Figures, as well as videos from Module Champions
Opportunity for Deep Dives and Recommended Reading

Pricing Options

Overseas businesses can purchase the course exclusive of VAT. All UK residents and overseas individuals are subject to VAT.

£1,500.00

£1250 +VAT

Join the Course
£1,250.00

EX VAT - non UK BUSINESS ONLY

Join the Course

If you require an invoice or VAT receipt please email [email protected].

Similarly, if you are an overseas business and would like to enrol on our course, select the non-VAT price and contact our team with your business details.

Hear what those who have joined the course have to say:

The course experience has been excellent!

Christine U, Farm Vet, NZ

The course experience has been excellent - I like the module system, the 'deep dives' and variety of course material, quizzes etc. Have enjoyed the forum/WhatsApp chats and the Zoom meetings too.

It's definitely living up to expectations!

Hannah K, Farm Vet, UK

I am thoroughly enjoying the course so far and am really pleased to be doing the training. I have been interested in food systems for a long time and have been waiting for some CPD that really covered this fast moving and complex area. It's definitely living up to expectations!

Challenging, enlightening and motivating!

Tom W, Farm Vet, UK

A fascinating, in-depth exploration of sustainable food production and the role practitioners hold in shaping our farming practices, both current and future. I found it challenging, enlightening and above all, motivating. It enables us as farm advisors to guide clients through the many changing expectations (and opportunities) within agriculture.

This course is opening my eyes to the impacts that we can each make

Hannah D, Veterinary Clinical Teaching Fellow from the University of Surrey and Vet Sustain Technical Content Lead

This course is opening my eyes to the impacts that we can each make as individuals, as well as the simple conversations we can have to drive sustainability in practice/on farm. It has also helped me to understand the broader impacts of climate change that are further reaching globally which has been interesting.

Really interesting course!

Tom Jenkins, Clyde Vet Group

It was a really interesting course and already proven useful in day to day practice

Meet Your Course Facilitators

Course Author Alexandra Tomlinson MA Vet MB MSc PhD Dip ECZM (Wildlife Population Health) MRCVS

Alex Tomlinson qualified as a veterinarian from Cambridge University in 1992. After spells in mixed practice and a teaching position at Hartpury University, Alex specialised in wildlife health, beginning with an MSc in Wild Animal Health from the Royal Veterinary College/Institute of Zoology, followed by a position as a wildlife pathologist. From there, she progressed to a PhD from Liverpool University, studying the epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in free-living badgers at Woodchester Park in Gloucestershire. Since 2013, Alex has been self-employed, working on wildlife conservation projects with Wildlife Vets International, as a veterinary consultant for the Food Animal Initiative (FAI), and most recently working with sankalpa on regenerative food systems and their role in supporting human, animal and environmental health in the widest possible sense.

Ruth Clements BSc Hons, BVM&S, MRCVS

Ruth Clements graduated as a Veterinary Surgeon from Edinburgh University in 2008 and has a degree in molecular biology. Ruth lives in Oxfordshire with her husband, daughters and an assortment of animals. She started working in sustainable agriculture in 2002, joining FAI Farms full time in 2010 leading their veterinary sustainability programmes. She continues to work for the Benchmark group to date. Ruth developed a holistic management framework to tackle lameness in sheep and the resulting “5 Point Plan” approach has been accepted by industry stakeholders as the national control strategy against this disease, with prevalence levels and associated antibiotic use in the UK steadily declining. She now takes these principles across agriculture and aquaculture, looking towards tackling some of the most challenging disease-based blockers to sustainable production in various sectors. Ruth has been involved in the creation and evolution of Vet Sustain and has a strong interest in the development of farming systems and innovative health management. She now chairs the Food and Farming Working Group for Vet Sustain and sits on the scientific advisory group for Roslin Technologies Ltd.

Lewis Griffiths BVMS MBA MRCVS

Lewis graduated from Glasgow University in 1978 and initially returned to his native west Wales to work in mixed, predominantly dairy practice. Having emigrated from Wales to New Zealand in 1990, he formed Riverside Veterinary Services in Ashburton and supervised the rapid growth of this practice into one of the largest in New Zealand at that time. Lewis was awarded an MBA from Canterbury University in 2005. In recent years, Lewis has developed a growing interest in climate change and sustainable agriculture and this has led to his role with VetSalus. Lewis is convinced that the veterinary profession has a major contribution to make in the “race to zero”.

What Students Can Expect From The Course

Discussion Forums

Students will have the opportunity to join and interact with a community of like minded veterinary professionals taking the course at the same time
Online Tutorials

Option to attend live (recorded) online tutorials at the beginning, middle and end of the course to consolidate the learning material, address specific questions and participate in discussions
LANTRA Certificate

Upon completion of the course and submission of an assignment (max 2500 words), successful students will receive a LANTRA accredited certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to sign up for the course?
The course is aimed at veterinarians and those working in vet-led businesses, and whilst there are no specific requirements, all students are expected to have undertaken an undergraduate degree, technical qualification as a paraprofessional, or a relevant diploma. If you are unsure please contact us before you enrol on the course.
How much is the course?
The full price of the course will be £1,250 +VAT per student. Overseas (non-UK) businesses may be eligible for a non-VAT price of £1,250, please contact us for more information.
How long with the course take me to complete?
We expect each module to take between 3 and 5hours to complete over the course of 6-9 months (there are 10 modules = up to 50 hours). In addition there are a number of deep dives and a list of further reading for those interested in a particular area or wishing to expand their knowledge further. We highly recommend diarising regular study sessions to keep progressing through the course content.
How much support with I have during the course?
There will be a live (and recorded) tutorial with the community and course organisers at the beginning, middle and end of the course to consolidate the learning material, address specific questions and participate in discussions. Students will also join a community of veterinary professionals all taking the course at the same time, to help each other along the way.
What do I need to accomplish in order to complete the course and receive my LANTRA accredited certificate?
During the course there will be tasks and quick quizzes to solidify learning throughout the course. At the end of the course, you will also be required to submit an assignment which will be reviewed by our course organisers, with either a pass or fail awarded to each student. In this assignment, you should set out how you would support a farm animal client during their transition to more sustainable ways of farming. We’re looking for evidence that you can apply your knowledge to a practical scenario - which can either be fictitious, semi-fictitious or a real-life farming client, whom you may or may not wish to engage with as part of the project. Your submission should take the form of a written report, case study or essay, of a maximum of 2500 words. Alongside your written piece, you may optionally choose to submit an audio recording, interview or video.

Meet our Course Authors

Laura Higham

BVM&S MSc MRCVS

Laura Higham is a Director of Vet Sustain and veterinary consultant in sustainable livestock production at the Food Animal Initiative (FAI), working alongside food businesses to drive sustainability in commercial supply chains, with a focus on animal welfare and responsible antibiotic use. Having previously worked in the charity sector implementing projects to support animal-based livelihoods in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, she has a deep interest in the intersect between international development and animal health and welfare, and the wider roles of vets in society. Laura is a PhD researcher in antimicrobial use and animal welfare in agriculture at The Global Academy for Agriculture and Food Security at Edinburgh University, and holds an MSc in international animal health.

Ashleigh Bright

BSc MSc DPhil

Ashleigh Bright is a freelance animal welfare and sustainability consultant based in New Zealand. Ashleigh was the Head of Science at FAI for 15 years, before which she completed her BSc and MSc in animal behaviour at Waikato University in New Zealand and a PhD in animal welfare at the University of Oxford. Ashleigh’s core interest is the complex challenge facing global food production, applying robust science in a practical and commercial context, to ensure farmers and their supply chain partners have the knowledge and insight they need to grow food sustainably.

Alex Tomlinson

MA Vet MB MSc PhD Dip ECZM (Wildlife Population Health) MRCVS

About VetSalus

Wholesome Food From Healthy Animals

VetSalus is a committed group of international veterinarians with expertise in all aspects of ‘One Health’, in particular animal health, welfare and sustainable agriculture. We seek to contribute to global food strategy, particularly around animal health and welfare and sustainable agriculture, and develop relationships and networks, to build capacity and collaborate globally.

Visit the VetSalus Website

Overview: A Veterinary Approach to Sustainable Food and Farming

Tutorial 1 Recording

Module 1: Veterinary professionals in sustainability

Module 2: The sustainable practitioner

Module 3: Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities in Food and Farming

Module 4: Farming systems of the world

Tutorial 2 Recording

Module 5: Better farming

Module 6: Efficient farming

Module 7: Agroecological, organic and regenerative agriculture – meanings, history, principles and practices

Module 8: Agroecological, organic and regenerative agriculture – practical applications

Module 9: Driving Change

Tutorial 3 Recording

Module 10: Sustainable and regenerative business

Final project

About this course

£1,500.00

£1,250.00

The course experience has been excellent!

It's definitely living up to expectations!

Challenging, enlightening and motivating!

This course is opening my eyes to the impacts that we can each make

Really interesting course!

Discussion Forums

Online Tutorials

LANTRA Certificate