This course focuses on the increasingly complex world of producing enough food and fiber to meet the growing world demand and at the same time maintain ecological balance and conserve our natural resources. Students will explore implementing environmentally sound practices in agricultural production to satisfy the needs of a growing population for today and tomorrow A breadth of topics including: crop and animal production, natural resource management, agroforestry, food safety, and the farm to fork continuum will set the educational stage for this course.

This course expands on the complexity of producing enough food and fiber to meet the world demand and at the same time maintain an economical balance and conserve our natural resources. Students will explore the U.S. food system and how agriculture impacts the quality of life at all levels as well as the energy resources necessary to meet these needs. Twenty first century topics such as precision agriculture, biotechnology, bioinformatics, plant and animal breeding, apiculture, aquaponics, hydroponics, vermicomposting and food safety will be explored as to their role in a sustainable society. Students will discuss marketing strategies for agricultural products and develop a business plan for a sustainable grower.