2019 ASHS Annual Conference

Organic agriculture is a federally defined and regulated agricultural and food system that is growing rapidly. The global market for organic food reached $89.7 billion in 2016. The United States is the leading market with $47.9 billion. Most major markets continue to show double‐digit growth rates. There is a critical need for people with technical training in the science, practice, and regulations related to organic agricultural crop production.

In an effort to fill this educational need, Oregon State University will begin offering an online Undergraduate Certificate in Organic Farming Systems in Fall 2019. The over-arching learning outcomes of the program are to 1) understand and communicate the principles, practices, science, and outcomes of organic agriculture to diverse audiences, 2) apply science- and practice-based information to design, evaluate and problem-solve in organic systems, and 3) analyze the ripple effects of organic production and/or purchasing decisions on the three dimensions of sustainability (society, environment, economy). The certificate is a skills-based program emphasizing organic management of soil, insects, diseases, weeds, and supplemental inputs. Students will learn how to find and evaluate quality of organic management information and develop and evaluate soil, insect, disease and weed management plans. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the regulations, policies, economics, and social implications of organic farming systems. “Systems thinking” will be cultivated to help students see interconnections and understand how management decisions influence sustainability (environmental, social, and economic). The certificate program is a 27 credit interdisciplinary minor. Undergraduate students will enroll in the certificate program as a complement to their major; post-baccalaureate students can enroll solely in the certificate program. All students must complete pre-requisite courses in soil science, plant pathology, and entomology. Required courses:

CROP 355. Organic Certification (3)

HORT 212. Introduction to Organic Systems (4)

HORT 306. Inputs in Organic Cropping Systems: Sourcing and Efficacy (2)

HORT 307. Organic System Predicaments (3)

HORT 308. Weed Management in Organic Cropping Systems (3)

HORT 344. Insect and Disease Management in Organic Cropping Systems (3)

HORT 482. Design and Management of Organic Cropping Systems (Capstone) (3)

SOIL 360. Soil Management for Organic Production (3)

AGRI 411. Introduction to Food Systems: Local to Global (3)

Oregon State University Ecampus has been named a top 10 online college by US News and World Reports for five years. This program will utilize best practices in online education to reach diverse students around the globe.