SARC programs are designed to help SARC fulfill its mission. Early in its history, SARC founders identified four primary fields of activity related to sustainability and in need of greater focus at Cal Poly. These have become the SARC’s ‘niches’, and they serve as guiding themes in SARC decision making. These fields of activity are:
- Commercial-scale, certified organic agriculture, now the fastest growing segment of the food industry in spite of relatively few existing programs for research and education;
- Regional and community-based food systems, which have great potential to narrow the gap between producers and consumers, thus increasing public appreciation of agriculture, decreasing transport costs, and increasing on-farm profits;
- The conservation and reuse of resources within agricultural systems, with particular attention to compost technology; and,
- The relationship of agriculture to the environment, focusing on how to create vital agro-ecosystems capable of stimulating biodiversity and safeguarding long-term productivity.
On a day-to-day basis, many SARC objectives are being accomplished through the activity of SARC Program Areas. SARC Program Areas are initiated and directed under the leadership of College of Agriculture faculty members in conjunction with the College of Agriculture Dean. SARC Program Areas delineate specific activities which further overall SARC goals. They are conducted in addition to general SARC functions including administration, fundraising, special events and outreach. Program Areas are spearheaded by participating faculty under the aegis of the SARC. |
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