As a pioneer in innovative
curriculum programs for the
community college system, CCCC
scored another winning effort
with the establishment of its
Sustainable Agriculture program
in 2002. Developed in partnership
with the North Carolina Cooperative
Extension and with input from
the Carolina Farm Stewardship
Association, the curriculum
is about better growing methods.
Sustainable agriculture focuses on production that renews resources. The program
is about more than environmental awareness. It is also about the farming community.
Urban sprawl has inflated land prices and small farmers, unable to deal with
rising taxes, diminished markets for traditional crops, and supply and equipment
costs, are losing their farms.
All this is occurring at
a time when the market is
rapidly increasing for sustainably-grown
products such as cut flowers,
vegetables, meat and dairy
products. Approximately 85
percent of the organic products
sold in North Carolina are
grown out-of-state.
The unique curriculum offered through the Sustainable Agriculture program has
attracted students from throughout North Carolina, as well as many other states.
The program provides both the small business and technical skills needed to develop
and manage a profitable, environmentally sound and community-based small farm
or agricultural business.
Students
work with fellow classmates to plant, cultivate, and harvest a variety of produce.
They learn to utilize a variety of tools and equipment, including tractors and
tillers. Field trips, farm tours, and internships enhance the learning
experience.
You can take advantage of CCCC’s convenient location in the heart of North
Carolina and become part of a growing agricultural phenomenon. Located on the
Chatham Campus in Pittsboro, NC, the program is nestled in a farming community
just south of Chapel Hill.
A five-acre Land Lab at the Pittsboro Campus is an outdoor classroom for research,
demonstration, and crop production. The site includes a greenhouse, as well as
storage facilities for farming equipment.
Program instructors have a passion for their work and the sustainable farming
community. They are a group of agriculture professionals with years of experience
in the field and classroom. By maintaining close ties to a vibrant local farming
community, they are able to assist students with internships, as well as job
placements.
Some students use their education to build sustainable farms, while others seek
employment at established sustainable operations. Employment opportunities are
found elsewhere through schools, parks and environmental centers. Jobs are available
with non-profit organizations focusing on farmer advocacy.
The sustainable agriculture degree is also useful for persons desiring to serve
in the Peace Corps or other
volunteer agencies.
Graduates are awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree. The curriculum,
designed as a two-year program, includes classes in soil, plant and animal science,
practical gardening skills, biological pest management, sustainable livestock
management, greenhouse design and agricultural marketing. Additional studies
focus on communication, interpersonal psychology and developing a business plan
for a small farm.
