LEARN TO FARM FOR CREDIT!

Summer 2005

THE NEW Unity College/Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association Sustainable Agriculture Program

offers a thorough introduction to sustainable agriculture in theory and practice. An intensive three week May practicum course provides a foundation in sustainable agriculture through visits to premier sustainable farms, classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory work in the college gardens and greenhouses, and seminars with visiting farmers. The internship offers college credit for a summer farm work experience mentored by a MOFGA farmer expert in both sustainable agriculture practice and education.

Sustainable Agriculture Practicum

This course will introduce students to the philosophies, agroecological bases, and practicalities of sustainable small-scale, diversified farming. Students will gain a firm foundation in the theoretical concepts of sustainable agriculture, but the emphasis of the course will be on the practical tools, techniques, and knowledge necessary to operate a successful small-scale, sustainable farm. Classroom instruction and lecture will be supplemented and reinforced by work in Unity¹s greenhouses and gardens and frequent field trips to local farms and other agricultural institutions, where students will learn from farmers and other agricultural professionals. The course is designed to prepare students for a farm-based internship.

Sustainable Agriculture Internship

Interns will be placed by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association on farms in Maine that have a record of success in mentoring student farmers. Interns will participate in a number of MOFGA¹s Farm Training Project workshops during the summer and develop a project and original presentation on a relevant agricultural topic. Internships outside of Maine are possible, but must be arranged by the student. Unity College internship requirements apply to the Sustainable Agriculture Internship.