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ENST 441 "ISSUES IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE"
The course can serve undergraduates as an "advanced studies course" and both undergrads and graduate students as a kind of capstone or integrating experience for those studying or interested in any aspect of agriculture. Many of the controversies in today's agriculture will be discussed, often with the help of guests - farmers, administrators, lobbyists and scientists - who can provide an inside story. Although this is not a technical course, it will delve into some technical aspects of how agricultural practices- from soil management to pest control to marketing - can fit into a vision of a more sustainable future for agriculture in the US and abroad.
Students will gain first hand insights from two Saturday fields trips (one in Sept one in Oct) to visit four innovative farms in the region.
The official description of this 3 credit course follows.
Delves into the biological, social and economic reasons to seek alternatives to the high-input,
chemical intensive farming systems that are currently conventional in industrialized countries. Emphasizes the importance of building integrated agro-ecosystems that apply the lessons of natural systems to the production of food and fiber for human kind. Guest speakers and field trips to local sustainable farms are planned to bring meaningful contacts with the real world. Excellent opportunity for students in biological or agricultural sciences, government and policy and sustainable development.
Sustainably yours,
Dr. Ray Weil
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