Minnesota Ag Connection - MSC Southeast Sustainable Agriculture Speaker Series

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MSC Southeast Sustainable Agriculture Speaker Series
Minnesota Ag Connection - 02/20/2019

Throughout the fall, the Sustainable Agriculture Speaker Series at Minnesota State College Southeast offered the opportunity to meet a number of experts who are challenging conventional food and farming systems with alternatives that are socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.

At the final event, instructors Liz Micheel and Bruno Borsari announced the launch of the college's new program in Sustainable Food and Farming. The new two-year Associate of Applied Science degree will prepare students to enter the evolving and growing field of specialty agriculture, particularly those students interested in small-scale, diversified production.

The Sustainable Food and Farming program will promote economic prosperity, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. Graduates will be prepared to meet the needs of the recent cultural shift toward whole foods, natural and organic agricultural products, farm-to-table marketing, and local products.

Biology instructor Liz Micheel has worked to develop the program for two years. "It's designed to teach students how to implement integrated farming practices that promote healthy soil, ecologically sound nutrient management, and sustainability," she said, adding that the program has a very practical side as well. "Students will learn the safe and effective use of a variety of agricultural equipment and will develop a sound business plan for a family farm or small-scale agricultural operation."

"Instructors from many different areas of the college will be involved -- biology, business, truck driving, construction technology, electronics -- even welding!" said Jo Poncelet, Dean of Academics. "This is a unique program teaching practical, hands-on skills and business know-how."

For more information about enrolling in the Sustainable Food and Farming program, please contact Admissions Representative Chris Cook, at 507-453-2410 (Christopher.Cook@southeastmn.edu).

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