Sustainable Ag. & Food Systems

The Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Associates of Science (AS) degree program provides students with the technical skills and knowledge needed to manage or develop a small farm or agricultural business.  The degree program equally provides the technical foundation for hundreds of agricultural focused careers; including work in Tribes, Federal, State, Education, Non-Profit and Private businesses sectors.

A strong emphasis to integrate tribal, cultural and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is woven throughout the program.   Courses such as; Food Sovereignty, Food Storage and Preservation and Ethnobotany are designed to expose students to the robust and diverse teachings of their history and ancestors.

The course work will utilize a problem-solving approach to engage students in solving complex real-world problems presented by faculty members with expertise and experience in the industry. Students will expand their knowledge and hone their skills in sustainable farm principles and practices by participating in year-around internships in the campus greenhouse and gardens or local agricultural business. The two-year curriculum includes classes in soil, plant science, crop production, integrated pest management, food sovereignty, fundamentals of nutrition, food storage and preservation and farm infrastructure.

The Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems program offers small class sizes, personal attention from instructors, stipends, and internship opportunities. Learn the fundamentals of crop and soil management and the skills necessary to operate a small farm enterprise or to work in a multitude of agricultural careers.

Through laboratory courses, cooking/kitchen activities, field trips, and internships on the UTTC campus and in the community, the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems program provides students with hands-on, multidisciplinary experience in agriculture and food systems.

Earn an Associate of Science (AS) degree that prepares students to develop their own farm business or have careers in agricultural and horticultural science or production.

Employers range from non-profit organizations, tribal, state and federal agencies, nature preserves, community organizations, and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Graduates of the Sustainable Ag. & Food Systems AS degree program will:

1. Investigate indigenous issues of food sovereignty.
2. Carry out crop production operations in outdoor and greenhouse environments.
3. Examine economic, ecological, and social aspects of sustainability in agriculture.
4. Practice community engagement through presentations, food preparation, and food distribution to promote the consumption of produce.