The Cal Poly Organic Initiative:
Dr. John Phillips, Director
(805) 756-6146
The Cal Poly Organic Initiative is a collaboration between the SARC, the Cal Poly Organic Farm (CPOF) and participating departments within the College. The collaboration is an outgrowth of SARC efforts to expand awareness of organic agriculture on campus. The intent of this new initiative is to identify educational initiatives at Cal Poly addressing organic agriculture, linking them through the initiative, and strengthening them by making them more recognizable and accessible.
Involvement of all faculty and administrators in this project is encouraged to coordinate and stimulate interdisciplinary cooperation around this theme. Ultimately, the SARC hopes to assist in the development of comprehensive training programs in organic agriculture to address a range of relevant topics including organic seed production, crop nutrition and management, transition issues, processing, certification and marketing. Strong, continued growth of the organic sector make organic agriculture a logical field of inquiry at Cal Poly, an institution which prides itself on keeping students current with industry trends.
Organic Initiative achievements include:
*The annual Organic Agriculture (AG 315) class
*Improvement of the Organic Enterprise (CRSC 203)
*The annual Pest Management Conference (co-sponsored by California Certified Organic Farmers)
*Expansion of the Cal Poly Organic Farm
*Establishment of a Sustainable Ag Minor
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