April 21, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kathy Barnard, kbarnard@wsu.edu
509/335-2806
Debbie O’Donnell, debrao@wsu.edu
509/335-4680
Source Contacts
Kim Kidwell, kidwell@wsu.edu
509/335-4562
Janet Kendall, kendallj@wsu.edu
509/335-3557
WSU Offers First Online Certificate in Organic Ag in United States
PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University, the first institution in the country to offer an academic major in organic agriculture, is now offering the nation’s first online certificate in organic agriculture.
“The U.S. organic food industry has grown at a rate of 20 to 30 percent each year for more than a decade and is really challenged to find employees who understand the unique approaches used in organic agriculture,” said Kim Kidwell, associate dean for academic programs in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. “Those who complete the certificate will hold the credential they need to succeed in one of the fastest-growing industries in the country.”
Kidwell noted that many of those working in agriculture in Washington and throughout the United States already hold a bachelor’s degree, but may wish to expand their skill set to include organic agriculture. “This certificate fills that need,” she said.
The program’s first core course, Soils 101, “Organic Gardening and Farming,” will be available summer semester, which begins May 5. The foundation course was developed by WSU Regents Professor John Reganold, an international leader in organic agriculture.
Admission to WSU is required to enroll in courses and to earn the certificate, and participants may apply as non-degree seeking students. More information is available at WSU’s Center for Distance and Professional Education Web site (http://online.wsu.edu/future_students/dc_organic_ag.aspx) or by calling (800) 222-4978.
Other courses in the program focus on topics ranging from economics and resolving environmental conflicts to ecological soil management and crop growth and development. The program also includes an “on ground” practicum or professional internship in organic agriculture.
CDPE Director Janet Kendall said offering the organic agriculture courses online makes them available to a global audience. “Anyone from around the state or around the world with an interest in organic agriculture can participate. As long as they have Internet access, they can take courses,” she said.
Students at WSU campuses also can pursue the online certificate. “We anticipate that many students in a variety of disciplines will find value in adding this certificate to their course of study,” Kendall said.
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Additional Media
Radio PSA - The first core course in WSU's organic agriculture certificate program is now enrolling. (500k, 30-sec PSA)
Video - Hear for yourself what students are saying about organic ag at WSU, the home of the nation's first major and now the first online certificate program.
Web - Learn more about WSU's online organic ag certificate program, inlcuding how to apply.
Photos
Download high-resolution version of this image. Caption: Brad Jaekel, manager of WSU's organic teaching farm, working the harvest.
Download high-resolution version of this image. Caption: Julie Sullivan, assistant manager of WSU's organic teaching farm, working the harvest.
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