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Organic farming is one
of the fastest growing and expanding areas of agriculture. There are
viable business opportunities for small-scale producers to meet the
consumer demand for fresh, local vegetables, fruits and herbs by
marketing at the growing number of farmer’s markets, community supported
agriculture (CSA) farms, as well as other direct and wholesale markets. The Organic Farming Certificate Program provides hands-on, year-round production and marketing opportunities at the 10-acre MSU Student Organic Farm. Together with classroom learning, this hands-on experience will prepare graduates for careers in organic farming, urban agriculture / community gardening, and other sustainable agriculture related careers. In addition to course and hands-on work, students will complete a 3- 4 month, off-site internship or apprenticeship on a working farm or urban garden. |
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The program is
one-of-a-kind as students learn by operating a 4-season, 48 week
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm that provides fresh and
stored vegetables year round to more than 50 families. In the summer
season, fresh herbs, flowers and fruit are also included in the shares.
In addition to traditional field scale production, the farm uses
unheated greenhouses and cold storage facilities to be the only
educational organic farm that operates a year round CSA in a cold
climate. A 2/3 acre permaculture site and management of hens and bees
are also important components to the program. Other independent
learning projects and management opportunities are key components of the
Certificate Program.
No previous farming experience is required and we welcome applicants seeking a new direction and employment related to organic farming and gardening, community and urban garden projects, and other food system and environmental careers.
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Program Principles and Learning Outcomes
The curriculum is developed around four key program principles:
- Organic farming strategies including building soil organic matter and health
- Year-round production and season extension to reduce risk and distribute work
- Diversified production of vegetables, fruit, flowers and herbs
- Direct marketing through CSA and farm stand to build customer loyalty
The expected outcomes for Organic Farming Certificate Students are:
- A certificate in Organic Farming from the Institute for Agricultural Technology at Michigan State University
- 40 credits of courses in organic farming and sustainable agriculture (courses and practicum)
- 1 year of experience on a fully operating certified organic farm supplying a 50 member, 48 week CSA
- Understanding of agricultural production systems as ecological systems and the ability to apply this knowledge and perspective in farm management.
- To become an empowered change agent in the current food systems and to have the necessary confidence to go out into the world and start their own farms, businesses, or other projects
- Development of critical thinking skills around food systems / organic agriculture
- Management of passive solar greenhouses for cold climate year round production and harvest
- To establish connections to a local, regional, national, and global network of people who are active in the sustainable agriculture movement and access and exposure to a wide variety of job opportunities, conferences, and organizations
- Personal and professional development, teamwork, community building skills
Click here for application information. Enrollment is limited. We encourage you to apply early. The first review of applicants will begin June 1st. Later applicants will be reviewed August 1 and October 1 if space is available.
For More Information
Please Contact:
Corie Pierce
Farm Manager and Instructor
430 Plant & Soil Science Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
piercee@msu.edu
office: 517-355-5191 ext. 411
Student Organic Farm: 517-230-7987
For additional information about the Student Organic Farm visit: www.msuorganicfarm.com