Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Major

Organic and sustainable crop production integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices to cycle resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Becoming a professional in organic and sustainable agriculture requires an understanding of plant and soil sciences, pest/disease management, marketing, and food science. Sales of organic foods in the U.S. have shown double-digit growth during most years since the 1990s, with Washington State being second in the nation in organic sales. Retail sales of organic food were highest in the U.S. with 42% of the global market, followed by Europe and China. The rapid growth of the organic sector has created a need to provide education and research, as well as services and product development for organic farmers and the food industry.

Students in the Organic and Sustainable Agriculture major take a diversity of fundamental courses in the natural, environmental, soil, social, and economic sciences, as well as courses focused on organic production practices.

Graduates from the AFS Major Will be Prepared for Careers in:

• Crop Consulting
• Pest Management
• Soil Management
• Organic Certification
• Food Science
• Economics and Marketing
• Crop Production
• Ag-environmental Stewardship
• Organic Product Purchaser