Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture

This course introduces students to agroecology and permaculture at the macro and micro scales, through both global and local examples. Topics include design, implementation and management of integrated perennial food systems, including orchard and fungi crops. Standards for sustainable soil and water management, organic certification, seed collecting and sourcing, and other key regenerative farming methods will be explored. Crop production plans for multi-year phased growing operations are emphasized. Harvest, storage and shipping methods to maximize crops sales also are covered. Field practice is integrated with class sessions for the lecture/lab based course. NOTE: Up to four labs will require field trips off campus. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites.