Organic Agricultural Theory and Practice
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Understanding of the historical origins and ecological theories underpinning the practices involved in organic agriculture. Interdisciplinary examination of crop and livestock production and socio-economic processes and policies in organic agriculture from researcher and producer perspectives.
Learning Outcomes
Assessments
Course Outline
Through this course, participants will:
- Become conversant in science-based organic agriculture theories and practices
- Understand the historical and biological roots, ethical questions, and socio-economic policies affecting organic production and distribution
- Articulate ecological principles underpinning organic production and research
- Increase understanding of the major concepts, themes, and discourse in organic agriculture in peer-reviewed journals and in gray literature
- Gain familiarity with current practices employed in certified organic row crop, livestock and horticultural research and on-farm operations
- Analyze complex, interdisciplinary problems facing transitioning and certified organic farmers and researchers
- Develop organic farm plans for certified organic operations using software programs
- Refine written and oral communication skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving through class discussion, reports and presentations
- Pre and post course surveys
- Extra credentials for completing the final exam
Registration Cost: $200.00 USD
Course Hours: 16 hours; synchronous meetings Tuesday evenings from 6-9 PM CT
Course Start Date: January 21, 2024
Course Access Time: May 16, 2024
Instructor
Kathleen Delate
kdelate@iastate.edu
515-294-7069