COURSE DESCRIPTION

Sustainable Agriculture is an in-depth and interdisciplinary class that provides students an opportunity to study a wide range of farming principles and practices. Returning to MSA’s agricultural roots, students study organic, no-till gardening, animal husbandry, hydroponics, and permaculture in a mission-focused and hands-on course. MSA’s 1,600-acre campus becomes a laboratory where students learn and experiment. The program includes a small farming operation with pigs, chickens, bees as well as three types of produce gardens--no-till, raised bed, and hydroponic. Students study the economics of agriculture and have an opportunity to learn marketing and small business management skills through selling meat, produce, honey, and other products from the farm in local farmers markets. 

Learning sustainable agriculture at MSA introduces students to the many social and ethical impacts that food production can have. In addition to hands-on learning, students read articles and books related to the impact of the agriculture industry on health and society. Furthermore, students engage with local farmers and organizations such as Bundoran Farm, Polyface Farms, and Chiles Orchards to learn more about local agriculture in Charlottesville.