AOM: Agricult Operations Mngt

INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC FARMING AND GARDENING TECHNICIAN Designed to give curious farmers, farmworkers, and agriculture students an overview of the USDA National Organic Program, the organic regulations, and organic crop production methods such as organic seed sourcing, composting, and pest, weeds, and disease management. This foundational course consists of learning modules with multiple lessons designed to be completed in sequential order. A portion of the course is a self-directed lesson study. No transcript is needed for non-credit enrollees. This course does not satisfy the general education requirement for science.

INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE Principles, concepts, and techniques of organic and sustainable production of crops, covering biological, social, and economic components of organic and sustainable farming systems; including soil and water management, cultural practices, pest control, harvest and post-harvest handling, marketing of organic products, and organic agriculture policy and regulation. Begins with a brief history of agriculture from its original inception, to the Green Revolution in the mid-1900s, to the current push for sustainability in its various forms. (Special fee: $82.00).

TYPES & SYSTEMS OF AGRICULTURE OPERATIONS Study of operational and management styles utilized in agricultural (horticultural) situations. Emphasis on process of systems development, administrative definition, product research and development, service and maintenance, machinery and equipment needs and application, operational analysis for purchasing, communications, transportation, production, and marketing. Lab experiences will include field trips to horticulture concerns for systems analysis. (Special Fee: $82.00).