Center for Urban Agriculture & Gardening Education

Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate Program

In 2008, for the first time in recorded history, the world's population became primarily urban. Some urban areas are growing at twice the rate of rural areas. While DC is not growing as rapidly, its population continues to increase. This trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. CAUSES is uniquely positioned as a world-leader in the Urban Ag movement through our Research, Academic, and Outreach programs. In response, we launched a non-credit bearing certificate program in Sustainable Agriculture in Fall 2014.

Program Length/Structure: Each Certificate Program consists of 4 classes. Classes usually meet 2 times per week in the evenings or once on the weekend. A certificate of completion will be issued at the successful completion of each class.

Options: The Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate consists of four classes (1 prerequisite course + (Option 1 or Option 2 outlined below). The program offers two different options:

Option 1: Urban Agriculture Techniques Option 2: Business Principles in Urban Agriculture

Program Site: If not otherwise noted, classes will meet at the UDC Van Ness Campus, located at the Van Ness-UDC Metro rail stop on the Red Line (4200 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008). Some courses may also be offered at the UDC research farm located at 12001 Old Baltimore Pike, Beltsville, MD 20705, and at other program sites throughout the District.

Registration: Click Here to Register!

Cost: To receive a certificate in Sustainable Urban Agriculture, participants will pay a one-time fee of $200. If a participant wishes to take individual classes, the cost is $60 per class. Payment will be made at the time of the first class, by check to the University of the District of Columbia.

Transportation: UDC is located at the Van Ness/UDC Metro Stop. If you decide to drive, you can park in the Van Ness Parking Garage located on Van Ness St. NW. The rate for 4 hours is $12.

Campus Map: http://www.udc.edu/about_udc/campus_map

Course Descriptions

Prerequisite Course

Principles of Sustainable Urban Agriculture This course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of sustainable urban agriculture in our local and global communities. Students will be introduced to the economic, environmental, social impacts of sustainable agriculture. Upon completion, students will be able to identify and apply the principles of sustainable agriculture as they relate to basic production practices.

Option 1: Urban Agriculture Techniques

Urban Bio-Intensive Farming This course includes a study of spring and fall organic crop production practices, including vegetables, cut flowers, and herbs. Topics include site selection, production methods, and plant science. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of organic gardening and farming methods appropriate to each season.

High Efficiency Bio-Intensive Methods for Food and Nutritional Security This course covers high efficiency growing and production methods for urban growers. The course will be conducted at the Muirkirk Research Farm located at 12001 Old Baltimore Pike, Beltsville, MD. This course is one day in length.

Urban Agriculture: Innovations This course covers innovative technologies and techniques used for urban farming systems. Technologies include the Flo-Vex® aeration device, hydroponics, renewable energy & conservation, and aquaponics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and recommend innovative technologies and techniques for urban farming systems.

Option 2: Business in Urban Agriculture

Business Principles of Sustainable Agriculture This course is a specialized section of Introduction to Entrepreneurship that focuses on sustainable agriculture. The course will cover the basic economic and business principles regarding small-scale business enterprises connected to agriculture, with a particular focus on sustainable agriculture in Washington, DC. With a focus on the creation of a business plan, topics include researching and evaluating resources, planning, marketing, cultivating money resources, and understanding key concepts in law, budgeting, financial statements, and business documentation.

Non-profit Management of Community Food Programs This course covers business planning, marketing, and management principles for non-profits. Students will learn social entrepreneurship principles in agriculture. Upon completion, students should be able to understand and apply business principles in urban agriculture production.

Sustainable Site Planning and Design This session helps develop a comprehensive understanding of urban agriculture as it relates to site selection, site planning and physical design. You will be taught what you need to know to select, build and physically maintain an urban farm site for both horizontal and vertical farming. Construction of hoop houses will be discussed and sustainable energy applications on urban farms will be explored as well.

Class Dates(s) Time Instructor Prerequisite Course Principles of Sustainable Urban Agriculture August 31, 2015 6pm to 9pm University of the District of Columbia Sabine O’Hara, Ph.D. September 2, 2015 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008 [email protected]

Principles of Sustainable Urban Agriculture September 14, 2015 6pm to 9pm University of the District of Columbia Sabine O’Hara, Ph.D. September 16, 2015 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008 [email protected]

Option 1: Urban Agriculture Techniques Urban Bio-Intensive Farming September 19, 2015 9am to 4pm Muirkirk Research Farm Che Axum 12001 Old Baltimore Pike [email protected] Beltsville, Maryland 20705 High Efficiency Bio-Intensive Methods for Food and October 3, 2015 9am to 4pm Muirkirk Research Farm Che Axum Nutritional Security 12001 Old Baltimore Pike [email protected] Beltsville, Maryland 20705 Lorraine Weller-Clarke, Ph.D. [email protected]

Urban Agriculture: Innovations October 10, 2015 9am to 4pm Muirkirk Research Farm Sabine O’Hara, Ph.D. 12001 Old Baltimore Pike [email protected] Beltsville, Maryland 20705

Option 2: Business Principles in Urban Agriculture Business Principles of Sustainable Agriculture October 13, 2015 6pm to 9pm University of the District of Columbia TBA October 15, 2015 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008 Guest Speaker: Nazirahk Amen, Purple Mountain Organics

Non-profit Management of Community Food October 27, 2015 6pm to 9pm University of the District of Columbia Sylvia Benatti, Ph.D. Programs October 28, 2015 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008 [email protected] Guest Speakers: Rudy Arrendondo, National Latino Farmers & Ranchers Trade Association Lauren Schweber Biel, DC Greens

Urban Agriculture Site Planning and Design November 10, 2015 6pm to 9pm University of the District of Columbia Ralph Belton November 12, 2015 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC 20008 [email protected] Kathy Dixon [email protected]