PLSCS 3800 - Principles and Practices in Certified Organic Agriculture

Spring. 3 credits. Student option grading.

M. Ryan.

Organic farming is an increasingly important part of US agriculture and the food system. Students learn about the history of organic agriculture, the USDA National Organic Program, management practices used in organic crop and livestock production, and the scientific research on organic agriculture. Laboratory sessions complement lecture discussions with fieldwork and field trips to a variety of organic farms. Students work through the certification process and grow organic vegetable, grain, and forage crops on campus.

Outcome 1: Be conversant in the history and principles of organic agriculture.

Outcome 2: Explain the USDA National Organic Program regulations and how they differ from other organic certification programs.

Outcome 3: Demonstrate the capacity to successfully transition to certified organic production.

Outcome 4: Create an Organic Systems Plan for a farm applying for organic certification.

Outcome 5: Respectfully articulate scientific evidence showing advantages and disadvantages of organic agriculture.