Sustainable Small Farm Agriculture Systems Certificate

This one-year certificate provides a theoretical foundation in small farm agriculture through the study of environmental sustainability principles, ecology in agricultural systems, and plant and soil sciences. There is also a combined practical focus on sustainable small farm agriculture production and enterprises. The production emphasis trains students to cultivate organic food crops for year-round production and harvest in the maritime climate of the Puget Sound bioregion. And the enterprises emphasis trains students to design, plan, and operate agriculture systems relevant to small farm environments- including the development of farm management and business plans and associated best agricultural practices tailored to wholesale and direct market enterprises. Students explore career options and apply knowledge, skills, and techniques through internship, practicum, or research experience. This certificate may be combined with General Education, Learning Community, Integrative Experience, and elective courses to achieve the larger Sustainable Small Farm Agriculture and Food Systems Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) Degree. A certificate is awarded to students who complete the following courses with a 2.0 grade point average or above in each course.