INSTRUCTOR:

Lecture and Lab Hours:   3-2

Prerequisites: one of: AGR*2350, AGR*2301/2, AGR*2401, AGR*2451/2, BIOL*2060, CROP*2110

The design and operation of organic agriculture will be introduced, focusing on production systems oriented toward field and hort crops as well as livestock. Systems will emphasize problem avoidance by design, to minimize niches for both pest proliferation and nutrient/water loss. Design will also emphasize capturing positive synergies among enterprises, both to increase overall efficiency and to reduce off-farm impacts. Socio-economic dimensions, including comparative profitability, will be explored. Complementing basic principles taught in class, students will learn site-specific applications from farmer-practicioners, both in class and through on-farm interviews.