Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture is a field of study that combines interests in the environment, business, and social justice. The goal of sustainable agriculture is to meet the food, fuel, and textile needs of society without sacrificing natural resources needed by future generations. Our program prioritizes a hands-on approach to learning at our college’s three farm sites, greenhouse, and local farmer’s market booth. Students have the option of earning a 1-year certificate, 2-year degree, and/or transfer degree to a 4-year Washington state college or university.
Career
Our program provides training in a variety of skills that agriculture-centered employers seek, including tool and equipment proficiency, crop planning, farm design, integrated pest management, irrigation management, soil fertility management, land preparation, and sales and marketing. Our program prepares students for a broad range of careers which include farm managers, edible landscape designers, youth educators, and careers with government, non-profit, and international relief organizations. Students also have the option to further their education by transferring to other 4-year colleges and universities in Washington State.
Associate Degrees
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in sustainable agriculture and food security expands upon the program’s 1-year certificate by providing students with more training in relevant science and business courses to better prepare them for an agriculture-centered career.
Department/Program URL:
https://sustainableag.highline.edu/
GPA Requirement:
2.0
Number of Credits:
91
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the ecological principles that support agroecosystems at different geographic and economic scales, including the significance of plant diversity and soil properties and processes to terrestrial ecosystems and human societies.
- Select and grow bioregionally appropriate vegetable, bush, and tree crops according to their site-specific growth and cultural requirements within polycultural intercropping, succession planting, crop rotation, and season extension systems.
- Apply agroecological and permaculture design practices to sustainable agriculture systems and food security challenges to then develop and implement whole farm management and business plans from greenhouse seeds to local direct market sales.
- Discuss how the emergence, growth, and practice of urban and small farm agriculture affect the sustainability of local and global food systems, and how those systems, in turn, relate to associated fields in natural resource management and environmental science and conservation.
- Demonstrate a synthesis of existing and new knowledge and skills and the ability to work as part of a team and independently within a sustainable agriculture internship, practicum, or research work environment.
- Communicate responsively and effectively about topics and content related to sustainable agriculture, food access and security in multicultural settings and with individuals who are learning English.
- Discuss concepts and practices used in sustainable farming systems and the parameters of food security.
Top Transfer-To institutions
This degree is not intended to transfer to other institutions. For those interested in transferring, please see to the AAS-T degree in sustainable agriculture and food security.
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
N/A
Key Advisors
The Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree in sustainable agriculture and food security expands upon the program’s 1-year certificate by providing students with more training in relevant science and business courses to better prepare them for an agriculture-centered career, or to transfer to a 4-year college or university.
Department/Program URL:
https://sustainableag.highline.edu/
GPA Requirement:
2.0
Number of Credits:
97
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the ecological principles that support agroecosystems at different geographic and economic scales, including the significance of plant diversity and soil properties and processes to terrestrial ecosystems and human societies.
- Select and grow bioregionally appropriate vegetable, bush, and tree crops according to their site-specific growth and cultural requirements within polycultural intercropping, succession planting, crop rotation, and season extension systems.
- Apply agroecological and permaculture design practices to sustainable agriculture systems and food security challenges to then develop and implement whole farm management and business plans from greenhouse seeds to local direct market sales.
- Discuss how the emergence, growth, and practice of urban and small farm agriculture affect the sustainability of local and global food systems, and how those systems, in turn, relate to associated fields in natural resource management and environmental science and conservation.
- Demonstrate a synthesis of existing and new knowledge and skills and the ability to work as part of a team and independently within a sustainable agriculture internship, practicum, or research work environment.
- Discuss the interrelationship between people and their food supply with broad coverage of food products, food technology methods, and food safety issues; evaluate the effect of agricultural practices on the environment, human health and the economy.
- Explain and demonstrate the biological, chemical and physical conditions necessary for organic plant growth and reproduction, and discuss/demonstrate how these conditions are maintained to enhance food production.
- Identify and implement environmentally and economically sustainable methods for pest, weed and disease management for common Western Washington crops.
- Communicate fundamental information about the practices and benefits of sustainable, organic agricultural principles and practices for food production as well as stewardship and community building.
- Practice assessing the feasibility of developing a small acreage farming enterprise, including how to: evaluate personal and family/collaborative goals, evaluate land and personal resources, develop a plan, and research marketing, regulations, and community resources.
- Develop a foundation to continue studies in agriculture, entrepreneurial gardening/farming, or other related fields.
- Create a crop plan that is appropriate for the northwest region.
Top Transfer-To institutions
This degree can be transferred to Washington State University (Pullman or Everett campus), University of Washington – Tacoma, or Evergreen State College. Students must meet with an advisor to map out a transfer plan within the first 15 credits of the program.
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
N/A
Key Advisors
Certificates
Department/Program URL:
https://sustainableag.highline.edu/
GPA Requirement:
Students must achieve a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a minimum 2.0 GPA in each core course to attain a certificate.
Number of Credits:
45-49 credits
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
- Discuss the interrelationship between people and their food supply with broad coverage of food products, food technology methods, and food safety issues; evaluate the effect of agricultural practices on the environment, human health and the economy.
- Explain and demonstrate the biological, chemical and physical conditions necessary for organic plant growth and reproduction, and discuss/demonstrate how these conditions are maintained to enhance food production.
- Identify and implement environmentally and economically sustainable methods for pest, weed and disease management for common Western Washington crops.
- Communicate fundamental information about the practices and benefits of sustainable, organic agricultural principles and practices for food production as well as stewardship and community building/
- Practice assessing the feasibility of developing a small acreage farming enterprise, including how to: evaluate personal and family/collaborative goals, evaluate land and personal resources, develop a plan, and research marketing, regulations, and community resources.
- Develop a foundation to continue studies in agriculture, entrepreneurial gardening/farming, or other related fields.
- Create a crop plan that is appropriate for the northwest region
Top Transfer-To institutions
This certificate can be applied towards a Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security AAS-T degree in our program, which can be transferred to Washington State University (Pullman or Everett campus), University of Washington – Tacoma, or Evergreen State College. Students must meet with an advisor to map out a transfer plan within the first 15 credits of the program.
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
N/A