Sustainable Agriculture (Certificate)

Woodland Community College is located in Yolo County, home to a diverse group of farms and many Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)groups in the Capay Valley. The Woodland Community College Sustainable Agriculture Certificate of Achievement program is designed to engage students in agricultural practices and techniques that promote sustainability. Core courses introduce students to career opportunities and field experiences, while foundation courses in plant and soil science provide students with background information in general agriculture. The major courses in pest management and sustainable food systems emphasize specific approaches to sustainable agriculture and resources linked to energy. Further, a leadership element to the program prepares students for carrying out projects in agriculture focused on production and supply of nutritious foods.

This program will prepare students for high demand occupations that involve sustainable agriculture practices. Typical jobs include: farming, agriculture production, market gardener, farm manager, propagator, crop consultant, organic inspector, farm advisor, agricultural supplier, compost production, food technologist.

annually - 2 students

The Woodland Community College Sustainable Agriculture Certificate of Achievement is designed to provide students with the opportunity to increase their knowledge, skills, and understanding of the vast area of sustainable technologies. Students will enhance their ability to develop and work with a focus on economic, ecologic, and social aspects of agriculture and food production systems. These aspects include, but are not limited to the following:

A. Systems Thinking: Evolution of the connections among the diverse components of farming and food systems, social institutions, and the environment.

B. Skill Development: Obtaining practical hands-on skills which include communication, problem solving, critical thinking, leadership and teamwork.

C. Experiential Learning: Laboratories, field exercises, internships

D. Link to the Real World: Inviting current practitioners from the field, into the classroom, to provide students with actual experiences.

E. Community Connection: Students will interact within the community through internships, seminars, and field experience.

Students completing a certificate in Sustainable Agriculture will be marketable to enter fields in general agriculture, agricultural conservation, forestry and natural resources, or education.

Seven courses are required in the major.