AGA 129 - Intro to Sustainable Agricul

Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Voc/Tech

This course will provide a broad introduction to the economic, environmental and cultural components of the food production and marketing systems popularly known as sustainable agriculture. Subjects covered include the meaning of sustainable agriculture; its emergence and growth as a social movement; pertinent soil, crop and livestock management practices and a global perspective on sustainability and 21st-century agriculture.
Competencies

Define sustainable agriculture and its’ impact on society.
1. Develop a workable definition of sustainable agriculture.
2. Identify conflicting definitions for sustainable agriculture.
Evaluate the envrionmental, economic and social components of an agricultural production and marketing system within the framework of sustainability.
1. Discuss the environmental impact of sustainability and agriculture.
2. Review the economic impact of sustainability in production agriculture.
3. Determine which barriers limit sustainable agricultural production systems.
4. Explain the market limitations for a sustainable agricultural system.
Discuss elementary soil, crop and livestock management practices integral to sustainable agriculture, including biologically active soils, ecological pest management and rotational grazing.
1. Review basic soil practices relevant to establishing soil sustainability.
2. Determine which livestock practices coincide with sustainable practices.
3. Review integrated pest management (IPM) for sustainable controls.
4. Design a sustainable rotational grazing system for cattle, sheep and goat production.
Trace the recent cultural and politicaly history of sustainable agricultural production and marketing systems, including organic certification.
1. Review current and pending legislation that will impact agricultural production sustainability.
2. Identify the organizations and associations that play a role in sustainability discussions.
3. Explain the cultural impact on agricultural sustainability as a societal change.
4. Review the requirements for organic certification as an alternative for sustainability.
Analyze the environmental impact of contemporary agriculture and assess the potential for alternative practices to mitigate its effects.
1. Complete an analysis of the impact of contemporary agriculture on society.
2. Discuss the potential of alternative practices to mitigate current production practices.
3. Design a sustainable production system for plant and animal systems.
Develop informed decisions regarding personal dietary choices.
1. Review current nutritional choices and their impact of current production practices.
2. Design a nutrition plan using a community based approach for production.
3. Create a cost analysis for community based agricultural production site.