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Tuesday, October 16, 2007 12:20 AM CDT
LLC to offer associate's degree in alternative agriculture
By the JG-TC
editorial@jg-tc.com
MATTOON — A new program for alternative agriculture production will be unveiled Wednesday at Lake Land College.
The program meets an emerging need for education in alternative markets to train the next generation of Illinois farmers, according to college officials.
The program is an opportunity for those interested in livestock, food or fiber production in a sustainable, environmentally safe manner and for those aware of changing consumer demands and attitudes. In addition to students pursuing associate degrees, the night classes are available for farmers interested in specific topics.
“With the increase in demand for locally grown foods and organics, the new associate degree program provides farmers the education needed to tap into these new markets,” said Bridget Holcomb of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance.
Courses in the program include Introduction to Agroecology, Biological Pest Management, Introduction to Horticulture, Forages and Pasture Management and Organic Crop Production.
“A farm is an ecological system,” said Dan Anderson, one of the course instructors. “This is a new perspective for many farmers. We will look at key ecological principles for sustainable ag production forever.”
In addition to classroom experiences, students will have on-farm opportunities each term with occupational experiences for credit. Students may also attend all Illinois Stewardship Alliance farm tours at no cost.
The courses will also be transferable to Illinois State University, Western Illinois University and Southern Illinois University. It is anticipated the sustainable agriculture courses will also be articulated for credit at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana.
The beginning course in this curriculum, Introduction to Agroecology, will be offered for the at Lake Land, starting Wednesday. For more information, those interested may contact Curt Rincker, chairman of the LLC Department of Agriculture, at 234-5360 or via e-mail at crincker@lakeland.cc.il.us.
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