Sustainable agriculture integrates environmental stewardship, economic profitability, and social responsibility. Ecosystem-level understanding and analytical skills help land managers to cooperate rather than compete with nature. Managing a farming system ecologically can lessen adverse impacts on natural resources, wildlife, and human communities.

Food production begins with a living soil and there remains much to learn about protecting this resource from water and wind erosion, pollution, and degradation. Diversifying production, reducing off-farm inputs, and creating new markets invigorates the family farm and strengthens the agricultural economy. It is vital for today's agricultural professionals to understand the emerging consumer demand for healthy food that supports environmental stewardship and local communities.

The curriculum is built on these inter-related concepts and combines practical, in-the-field knowledge with a scientific understanding of:

• soil management and conservation
• crop physiology
• livestock production
• integrated pest management
• agro-forestry
• human nutrition
• community food systems

Curriculum Resources

• Major in Sustainable Agriculture (PDF)
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• Minor in Sustainable Agriculture (PDF)
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• Sustainable Agriculture Courses (PDF)

In addition to course work, there are experiential learning opportunities:

• Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): As part of your education, you will work on the College's certified organic CSA Farm at the Horticultural Research Station in Lexington. A CSA farm is unique in that every week an equivalent portion (or share) of produce is delivered to customers (shareholders) who have paid in advance for a full season's harvest. You will learn to grow and market organic produce while interacting with students, staff, and faculty from across the University as you collaborate on a sustainable food system.

• Internships: As part of the curriculum, Sustainable Agriculture majors receive academic credit for completing an internship relevant to their area of specialization. Internships may be in local, national, or international settings and generally lasts for up to three months. The internship enables you to apply the knowledge gained from your degree program in a professional environment and strengthen your career opportunities.
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• International Travel and Study Abroad: While not required, opportunities exist for you to receive academic credit for study abroad.

Specific questions should be addressed to Mark Williams (mawillia@uky.edu).