Organic Educational Opportunities at the University of Minnesota: The Role of a Student-run Organic Farm

Albert H. Markhart, III

Abstract
Although the number of students in conventional production agriculture is declining, there is increased interest and opportunity in growing organic fruits and vegetables.

Land grant universities need to invest in resources to develop curricula and hands-on opportunities to attract students from varied backgrounds who may currently be enrolled in a number of non-agricultural majors.

At the University of Minnesota the student organic farm Cornercopia has successfully attracted students from 12 different majors to plan, plant, harvest, and market organic produce. The enthusiasm, interest, experiential learning, and public relations were well worth the land, faculty, and staff time.

 

Source
Hort Tech July-September 2006 (Vol. 16, No. 3)
American Society of Horticultural Science