Organic educational opportunities at the University of Minnesota: The role of a student-run organic farm

Abstract

Although the number of students in conventional production agriculture is declining, there is increased interest and opportunity in growing organic fruits and vegetables. Land grant universities need to invest hi resources to develop curricula and hands-on opportunities to attract students from varied backgrounds who may currently be enrolled hi a number of non-agricultural majors. At the University of Minnesota the student organic farm Cornercopia has successfully attracted students from 12 different majors to plan, plant, harvest, and market organic produce. The enthusiasm, interest, experiential learning, and public relations were well worth the land, faculty, and staff time.