XII. Course Descriptions
Organic Agriculture
| OAGR*2050 Gateway to Organic Agriculture F (3-3) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This introductory course will expose students to the scale of the organic industry today, including the factors driving interest in organics for both producers and consumers. The foundational ecological, economic and social principles underlying contemporary organic agriculture will be presented. First hand experience of current organic practices will he provided through factors driving interest in organics for both producers and consumers. The foundational ecological, economic and social principles underlying contemporary organic agriculture will be presented. First hand experience of current organic practices will he provided through and from site interviews with practitioners in the field | |
| Prerequisite(s): | 5.00 credits |
| Equate(s): | CROP*2050 |
| Restriction(s): | CROP*3400 |
| OAGR*2300 Organic Marketing F,W (3-0) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| In this course economic theory of markets principles are applied to the marketing of organically-produced and processed products through exploring open market price formation, value added, marketing margins, alternative marketing outlets and branding. Adherence to organic production and marketing standards, quality management, supply chain management, and advertising and promotion issues are also addressed. (Offered in distance education format only.) | |
| Prerequisite(s): | ECON*1050 or MCS*1000 |
| Equate(s): | AGEC*2300 |
| OAGR*3030 Tutorials in Organic Agriculture 1 F (3-2) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course will rely on small group mentoring to stimulate independent, learner-centered analysis of selected topics in organic agriculture. Topics will centre on nutrient management of organic farms, and related topics such as food quality and safety, energy use efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, animal welfare and traceability. Seminar periods will support student-led discussion of assigned readings, student presentations and guest speakers. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | 1 of CROP*2050, OAGR*2050, |
| Equate(s): | SOIL*3030 |
| OAGR*3130 Tutorials in Organic Agriculture II W (3-2) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course will rely on small group mentoring to stimulate independent, learner-centered analysis of selected topics in organic agriculture. Students will explore methods for production of high quality, organic products including seed collection and storage, weed control options underlying crop production,practices, and harvesting and handling methods. Students will have an opportunity to conduct in-depth research in the form of a case study of organic agricultural practices in a country of their choice. Seminar periods will support student-led discussion of assigned readings, student presentations and guest speakers. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | 1 of CROP*2050, OAGR*2050, |
| Equate(s): | CROP*3130 |
| OAGR*4160 Design of Organic Production Systems F (2-3) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This interdisciplinary course applies organic principles to managed agroecosystems. It covers the interactions of soils, plants and animals with managerial and environmental factors for production of annual and perennial crops and livestock. The core principle of problem avoidance rather than problem solving is illustrated with examples and exercises on integration of crop and Iivestock agriculture, farm scale nutrient budgeting. permaculture, and herd health in the production of organic field crops, horticultural crops, and livestock. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | (1 of AGR*2350, CROP*4220, SOIL*4250) or (OAGR*3030, OAGR*3130) |
| Equate(s): | SOIL*4160 |
| OAGR*4180 Social Issues in Organic Agriculture W (2-2) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This interdisciplinary course will examine the major social issues in organic agriculture from both a global and local perspective, with an emphasis on synthesis and integration. Issues will include globalization, sustainability, gender, food, social movements, the organic agri-food system, rural communities, and the role of the family farm. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | 1 of EDRD*3400, (OAGR*3030, OAGR*3130), SOC*2080 |
| Equate(s): | EDRD*4180, REXT*4180 |