Organic Courses

Students taking this course will be introduce to a range of opportunities in the field of organic agriculture, from social policy and marketing to crop rotations and rare breeds. In addition to lectures provided by faculty from several departments, guest speakers will offer practical insights into the field. Experiential learning will be encouraged, through data collection and analysis from organically managed land, and from site interviews with practitioners in the field.

Prerequisites: nil
Restrictions: CROP*3400; CAP at 40
Equates: nil
Course page: http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/courses/crop-2050/index.html

Economic theory of markets principles are applied to the marketing of organically-produced and processed products, through exploring open market price formation, value added, marketing margins, alternative marketing outlets and branding. Adherence to organic production and marketing standards, quality management, supply chain management, and advertising and promotion issues are also addressed. Offered in Distance Education format only.

Prerequisites: One of COST*1000 or ECON*1050
Restrictions: nil
Equates: nil
Course page: http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c12/c12oagr.shtml

Building on the introductory exposure offered in OAGR*2050, this course will rely on lectures and small group mentoring to stimulate independent, learner-centered analysis of selected topics in organic agriculture. Students will participate in an interdisciplinary analysis of case-study topics offered in the form of two, 6-week modules on biophysical and social issues, including composting and crop rotations as well as socio-political and marketing forces bearing on organics. The goal is to encourage holistic, systematic thinking in students learning to become self-directed analysts and decision-makers. Seminar periods will support both guest speakers and student presentations.

Prerequisites: OAGR*2050 (Gateway to Organic Agriculture); may be taken independently of CROP*3130 (II)
Restrictions: nil
Equates: nil
Course page: http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c12/c12oagr.shtml

Building on the introductory exposure offered in OAGR*2050, this course will rely on lectures and small group mentoring to stimulate independent, learner-centered analysis of selected topics in organic agriculture. Students will participate in interdisciplinary analysis of case-study topics offered in the form of two, 6-week modules encompassing biophysical and social issues, including certification, non-chemical pest management, organics in an international context, and enhancing soil and crop health. The goal is to encourage holistic, systematic thinking in students learning to become self-directed analysts and decision-makers.

Prerequisites: CROP*2050 (Gateway to Organic Agriculture); may be taken independently of OAGR*3130 (II)
Restrictions: nil
Equates: nil
Course page: http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c12/c12oagr.shtml

This interdisciplinary course calls upon students to use the analytical framework developed in CROP*3130 Tutorials in Organic Agriculture I and II to apply organic principles to managed agroecosystems. The course covers the interactions of soils, plants, microbes, and animals with management and environmental factors related to annual and perennial crops and livestock.. The core principle of problem avoidance rather than problem solving is illustrated with practical examples from such dimensions as integration of crop and livestock agriculture, farm-scale nutrient budgeting, permaculture, and herd health in the production of organic field crops (grains and oilseeds), horticultural crops (fruits and vegetables), and livestock (beef, sheep, dairy, pigs, chickens).

Prerequisites: OAGR*3030 (Tutorials in Organic Agriculture I) and OAGR*3130 (Tutorials in Organic Agriculture II); or CROP*4220 (Cropping Systems) or SOIL*4090 (Soil Management) or AGR*2350 Animal Production Systems and Industry
Course page: http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c12/c12oagr.shtml

This interdisciplinary course will build on Tutorials in Organic Agriculture I [SOIL*3030]and Tutorials in Organic Agriculture II [OAGR*3130], to examine the major social issues in organic agriculture from both a global and local perspective, with an emphasis on synthesis and integration. Issues will include globalization, sustainability, gender, the commons, the debate between economics and the environment, the organic agri-food system, rural communities, the role of the family farm, land use and certification/regulation.

Prerequisites: OAGR*3030 (Tutorials in Organic Agriculture I) and OAGR*3130 (Tutorials in Organic Agriculture II); or SOC*2080 (Rural Sociology); or AGR*3400 (Sustainable Rural Communities); or permission of course instructor
Restrictions: None
Co-requisites: None
Equates: None
Course page:http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c12/c12oagr.shtml

Students will learn to develop an organic fertilization program using the proper amendments toward improving yield and soil life. An understanding of soil organic matter, organisms and microbial life will be developed. The use of green manures, animal manures, sludges, composts and other sources of nutrients will be covered. Conversion from traditional farming to organic production and certification will be discussed. (Every fall)

This course provides a study of the basic concepts of organic agricultural production, including production techniques in field and greenhouse crops and farm animals, produce certification, and marketing. This course will also be of interest to continuing education students who have an interest in organic food production.

Students will learn to apply a management program and marketing techniques to organic plant production. This course will cover the identification of the major biological crops in horticulture and cash crop systems in field and greenhouses. Companion planting, weed control and pest management particular to organic plant production will be reviewed. Marketing and certification of organic products will be discussed.