Practice of Organic Farming
Spring
2022
Olympia
Day
Freshman - Senior
Credits per quarter
Note: This is the first quarter of a spring-summer-fall program.
Do you want to know what it takes to produce food for yourself, your family, and others in your community? In this three-quarter program, the Practice of Organic Farming (POF) will explore sustainable food production practices through an entire growing season -- beginning in spring, through the summer, and ending in the fall quarter. We will learn practices tailored for the Pacific Northwest climate in order to maximize production on small-scale organic farms. This program focuses on the scientific underpinning of sustainable and organic food production, with an emphasis on the critical thinking and observational skills needed to grow food using ecologically-informed methods. In addition, we will explore the farm management and business skills necessary to operate a farm.
We will study and work at the Evergreen Organic Farm through an entire growing season, focusing on theory-to-practice topics ranging from seed propagation, to harvest, and on to the 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 physically rigorous and academically demanding. It requires a willingness to work as a team outside in adverse weather on a schedule determined by the needs of crops and animals.
To successfully participate in this program, students will need access to the internet, some form of safe transportation to the farm, and face masks. Students can expect around 6-10 hours of synchronous (scheduled) coursework per week using Zoom and Canvas, plus two days a week on the Farm. Students will have access to alternatives to synchronous (in person or remote) participation if conditions require.
*If conditions allow, the following activities will happen in person: science Lab, and outdoor, on-campus activities.
Students receiving financial aid should contact financial aid early to develop a financial aid plan that includes Summer 2022.
Registration
Students should fill out and return the program application. Should also have a working knowledge of general biology and chemistry.
Signature Required
Please contact the faculty to receive an application. Applications received by the spring Academic Fair will be given priority. After Academic Fair, applications will be reviewed as submitted and students will be accepted until the program fills. Students will be individually notified by email of their acceptance into this program.
Course Reference Numbers
Academic details
agriculture, biology, business and management, ecology, and environmental studies, Food focused NGO's, State and County Extension programs, farm supporting government agencies.
$215 fee for field trip (will cover transportation, shelter, and food), a set of tools that will aid in the field and farm learning, and a required lab fee.
Schedule
First Meeting
Revisions
| Date | Revision |
|---|---|
| 2022-03-17 | This program is now open to Freshman (was So-Sr) |
| 2022-03-02 | Required fee raised to $215 (was $165, an additional $50 lab added) |
| 2022-02-22 | Student fee increased to $165 (was $115) due to addition of a required lab fee |