Note: This is the second quarter of a spring-summer-fall program.

Do you want to produce food for yourself, your family and others in your community? What does it take to grow food and feed yourself and others every day throughout the year? This three-quarter program (spring, summer and fall quarters) will explore the details of sustainable food production systems using the three pillars of sustainability—economic, environmental and social justice—as our lens. Our focus will be on small-scale organic production, but we will compare and contrast that system to other production systems. Our primary focus will be on the scientific underpinning of sustainable and Organic food production, critical thinking and observation skills necessary to grow food using ecologically informed methods. In addition we will explore the farm management and business skills necessary to operate a small-scale farming operation.

We will be studying and working on the Evergreen Organic Farm through an entire growing season, from seed propagation to harvest and on to market. The farm includes a small-scale direct market stand and CSA as well as a variety of other demonstration areas. All students will work on the farm every week to gain practical experiential learning. This program is rigorous both physically and academically and requires a willingness to work outside in adverse weather on a schedule determined by the needs of the crops and animals raised on the farm.

During spring quarter, we will focus on soil science, nutrient management, and crop botany. Additional topics will include introduction to animal husbandry, successional crop planning, season extension, and the principles and practice of composting. In summer, the main topics will be disease and pest management, which includes entomology, plant pathology and weed biology. In addition, water management; irrigation system design, maximizing market and value-added opportunities and regulatory issues will also be covered. Fall quarter's focus will be on farm and business planning, crop physiology, storage techniques, seed saving practices and cover crops.

Additional topics covered throughout the program will include record keeping for organic production systems, alternative crop production systems, techniques for adding value to farm and garden products, hand tool use and maintenance, and farm equipment safety. We will also cover communication and conflict resolution skills needed to work effectively in small groups.

Topics will be explored through on-farm workshops, seminar discussions, lectures and laboratory exercises, and field trips. Expect weekly reading and writing assignments, extensive collaborative group work, and a variety of hands-on projects. The final project in the fall will be a detailed farm and business plan which integrates all the topics covered in the program.

Books that may be used in the program include  Crop Planning for Organic Vegetable Growers  by Theriault and Brisebois,  Planning Workbook: Organic Whole Farm  by Huelsman,  Building Soils for Better Crops  3 ^rd  ed by Magdoff and van Es,  The Backyard Homestead Guide to Raising Farm Animals: Choose the Best Breeds for Small-Space Farming ,  Produce Your Own Grass-Fed Meat, Gather Fresh ... Rabbits, Goats, Sheep, Pigs, Cattle, & Bees  by Damerow,  The Big Book of Preserving the Harvest  by Costenbader,  Building A Sustainable Business A guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses  by The Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture.

If you are a student with a disability and would like to request accommodations, please contact the faculty or the office of Access Services (Library Bldg. Rm. 2153 Program Coordinator  Steve Schmidt ), PH: 360.867.6348; TTY 360.867.6834; E-mail: prior to the start of the quarter. If you require accessible transportation for field trips, please contact the faculty well in advance of the field trip dates to allow time to arrange this.

Students planning to take this program who are receiving financial aid should contact financial aid early in fall quarter 2016 to develop a financial aid plan that includes summer quarter 2017.