Majoring in Organic

I spoke to a class at University of Florida and, during introductions, student after student told me their name and their major: “organic crop production.”

Though this was a course in advanced organic production, I hadn’t prepared for the emotional impact of hearing students identify as organic majors. Do these young people realize that their academic major represents long-fought legitimization of organic agriculture as a valid realm of study?

I wanted to jump up and down with excitement. I told the students how cutting-edge it is that they are majoring in organic. I also credited their school, the University of Florida, for scoring all eight points in OFRF’s recent land grant assessment, which documents organic research, education, and extension.

Five years ago, Washington State University was first in the country to offer students a major in organic agriculture. Now, nine land grant universities provide students the option for an organic major, minor, or certificate (see below for list).

I am eager to see what these students do with their formal training in organic. How many will become successful organic farmers? How many will discover a passion for research and dedicate their careers to scientific investigation of organic systems? How many will find careers in the organic industry? Whatever they choose, I expect great things from them.

http://hos.ufl.edu/undergraduate-program

http://afs.wsu.edu/majors/organic.htm

Schools with organic options: