Organic Agricultural Theory and Practice
Registration now open!
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 on Tuesday evenings from 6-9 PM CT
Course Start Date: January 21, 2025
Course Access Time: May 16, 2025
Instructor
Kathleen Delate
kdelate@iastate.edu
515-294-7069