ENVS 3315 Sustainable Food Systems

Over the past 50 years, the industrial agriculture complex has led to amazing increases in grain yields which has met the basic calorie needs of much of the worlds population. However intensive production practices have come at a high environmental and social cost and climate change now presents many new challenges to farmers. A new approach to food production is needed, one that not only restores the ecosystem services on farmland and reduces fossil fuel inputs, but also one that supports farm families, builds communities of cooperation, and promotes human health. This course explores the historical basis of agriculture, the concept of sustainability, the agricultural practices that lead to improved ecosystem services, and alternative marketing approaches and cultural relationships. Students will come away from this course with an in-depth understanding of what sustainable agriculture is and how it can be applied to various situations in the world. Former title: Sustainable Agriculture