Organic Agriculture (AG 315) Spring 2006
Coordinators: Dr. Thomas Ruehr (ERSS) and Hunter Francis (SARC)
Cal Poly State University, Bldg. 08, Room 123
MWF at 1-2 p.m.
3/27: Introduction & John Phillips: CP Professor, HCS Department. Defining sustainability in agriculture
3/29: Tom Ruehr: ERSS Dept. 20th century food politics: The impact of public policy on US agriculture
3/31: CESAR CHAVEZ HOLIDAY
4/3: Hunter Francis: SARC Program Coordinator. The early history of organic agriculture
4/5: Tom Ruehr: Organic certification / USDA National standards
4/7: Tom Ruehr: Discussion – Political and certification issues in organic agriculture
4/10: Jake Lewin: CCOF Director of Marketing. Food processor certification
4/12: Tom Ruehr: Labor and social considerations in organic agriculture
4/14: Tom Neuhaus: Professor, Food Science & Nutrition Department. Fair Trade certification
4/17: Tom Ruehr: Introduction to soils and natural resources conservation / Externalities in ag
4/19: Tom Ruehr: Soil biology and its importance in organic agriculture
4/21: James Parker: Retail Produce Coordinator, Whole Foods. Retailing trends in organic agriculture
4/24: Tom Ruehr: Soil fertility in organic systems
4/26: Hunter Francis: Systems thinking and related agricultural movements
4/28: Gena Nonini: Owner, Marian Farms. Biodynamic agriculture
5/1: Tim Stemwedel: President, CA Organic Fertilizers. Trends in the organic fertilizer industry
5/3: Tom Ruehr: Discussion and review for midterm
5/5: MIDTERM EXAM
5/8: Jennifer Ryder Fox: Professor & HCS Department Head. OMRI & organic product development
5/10: Ed Himelblau: Professor, Biology Dept. What is ÔbiotechnologyÕ & how can it be used in organics?
5/12: Ramon Leon: Asst. Professor, HCS Department. Weed considerations in organic systems
5/15: Jeff Wong: CP Professor, HCS Department. Organic seeds: production, certification and use
5/17: David Headrick: CP Professor, HCS Department. Insect ecology in organic systems
5/19: Liz Koutsos: CP Professor, ASCI Department. Organic egg and poultry production
5/22: Eric Brennan: USDA/ARS Research Horticulturist. Research in organic systems
5/24: Tom Ruehr: Management practices & research - open discussion
5/26: Deb Garrison: Central Coast Ag Network. Place-based labels / ÔBeyond OrganicÕ video
5/29: MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY
5/31: Michael Ableman: Founder, Fairview Gardens. Traditional methods & modern urban agriculture
6/2: Tom Ruehr: Conclusion & final discussion
6/8: FINAL EXAM