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New major here at Mizzou The new degree now being offered at MU has great potential for the future of Missouri farmers. The College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources is offering a minor and a major in sustainable agriculture. MU will be the first educational institution in the Midwest to offer an undergraduate degree with an emphasis in sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture provides a more formal approach to an interdisciplinary degree. It serves a unique focus area in the production, marketing and distribution of agriculture goods and services. It also supports family farms, independent food producers, and viable rural communities. The area of sustainable agriculture itself relies more on the productivity of people who farm, and less on purchased inputs or industrial farming methods. "It is important that our campus provides opportunities for our students to explore the diverse philosophies that exist across US agriculture," said Interim Assistant Dean Jim Spain, who will also be the advisor for the new degree. "We already have interest and included students on the committee that helped us develop the program," Spain said. "The interest has already begun, both off campus and on campus. Several students have expressed interest in completing a minor." Several individuals off campus are asking about the program. Some farmers have a desire to come back and complete a second degree, as well as come in as a first time student Spain said. "With the program being so new, we are very encouraged by the interest the program has already received," Spain said. A minimum of 42 credits is required for the major and 18 credits for the minor. There are only five students completing a minor currently. As time goes on, the program directors expect to communicate more with potential students to create a steady growth of students in the program.
© 2003 CAFNR Corner Post |
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