Horticulture Department | 3 CC - Certificate of Completion | 1 year

You will develop some exciting new skills in this program. Among these new skills, you should be able to:

• Apply sustainable, organic methods in the planning, planting, management and harvesting of food crops
• Select and properly use farm equipment that is appropriate for a given scale of farming
• Implement organic strategies in orchards and on small-scale vegetable and berry farms

Careers

The Organic Farming certificate prepares graduates to operate their own farm or work in the community food system.

Graduates will be qualified to run small-scale farms, work closely with existing farmers and be advocates of local food systems.

Other career opportunities include:

• working and managing community gardens
• farmers markets
• school gardens

Job Market

Search related careers and regional data on wages and job outlook on Career Coach.

National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP)

It is the only nationally recognized endorsement offered to colleges with landscape/horticulture curricula. It is designed to recognize schools with landscape contracting curricula that meet or exceed industry standards. Visit the NALP web site.

PROGRAM CODE: CC.ORGANICFARM

This certificate focuses on an ecological systems approach to sustainable farming principles and practices which are suitable for small-scale market farming. Many classes have a lab component, which provides students with the opportunity to gain a practical, working knowledge of small-scale, organic farming and marketing practices. Production methods for vegetables, grain, and fruit are covered. 

Students may begin this program any term, although starting in Spring term to follow the annual crop planting, harvesting and planning cycle is recommended.

RELATED INSTRUCTION OUTCOMES

Computation (1 course- MTH-050 Technical Mathematics I or MTH-065 Algebra II or higher)

• Use appropriate mathematics to solve problems.

Communication (1 course- WR-101 Communication Skills: Occupational Writing or WR-121 English Composition)

• Read actively, think critically, and write purposefully and capably for professional audiences.

Human Relations (1 course- BA-285 Human Relations in Business or COMM-100 Basic Speech Communication)

• Engage in ethical communication processes that accomplish goals.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• apply sustainable, organic methods in the planning, planting, management and harvesting of food crops;
• select and properly use farm equipment that is appropriate for a given scale and system of farming;
• implement organic IPM strategies in orchards and on small scale vegetable and berry farms;
• use a basic understanding of soil science and irrigation systems to make ecologically sound decisions in the production of food crops;
• write a business plan and identify the various regulations that impact an organic food producer;
• effectively communicate with co-workers and customers through speaking, writing and computer technology.