Final project report for IonE MS-0006-11 "Sustainable Agriculture Project"

Abstract

The goals of this project, as part of the newly formed Sustainable Agriculture Program at UMD < http://www.d.umn.edu/cscd/sap/main/index.php>, were to develop a set of courses that, in conjunction with course already developed (i.e. Urban Food System, Ethnobotany, Anthropology Senior Seminar, GIS in Sustainable Communities, etc.) would form the base upon which a Sustainable Agriculture certificate program or minor could be created. Three new courses were developed and are being offered during May and summer terms 2012. The courses are fully integrated with a student led organic farming initiative that currently includes vegetable and tree fruit production at the newly resurrected UMD Field Experiment station. These foundational courses will provide students with understanding of the social, historical, economic and geographic context that led to the development of our current food system. They will come to understand the multi-dimensional nature of this food system, explore the possible future for regionally adapted food systems and the opportunities and obstacles to change. Each course has hands-on and project based components that directly involve students in the formulation and implementation of business and farming models for sustainable and organic farming with clear links to the community and regional food system. Student learn not only the skills of farming but the ecological concepts that support sustainable farming and the social systems that are integral to vital, local food systems.