EM:/ Wow!!!!!!!! Sticker shock! Re: MSU Student Organic Farm accepting applications for 2010

On Tue, July 28, 2009 10:47 am, Rory Neuner wrote:

... see below ...

Wow!!!!!!!! Sticker shock!

It took me awhile to find the actual application page for the 9 month course:

http://www.msuorganicfarm.org/Admissions_Packet.pdf

The price: $7,400.

Isn't that elitist and another example of educational segregation based on
the ability to pay, similar to exactly what is happening in all of our
universities?

If the State of Michigan is serious about moving towards sustainable
agriculture, one would think that funding would be provided to make the
course free and the qualified applicants chosen by a random drawing if
there was too many applicants for a given year, with those that were left
out, given priority for the next year's program.

By extension, I think that all of our public universities should be free
with the federal government footing the bill, by cutting the budget for
stealth bomber planes and other tools of war to protect the oil industry.

As astute Eisenhower said in his last public speech when leaving the
presidency, beware of the military-industrial complex distorting our
political process.

One should append our educational process as well.

Regards,

Lowell Prag

------------------

On Tue, July 28, 2009 10:47 am, Rory Neuner wrote:
Passing this along on behalf of the Michigan State Student Organic Farm...

Now accepting applications for 2010 Cohort of the Organic Farmer Training
Program at the Michigan State University Student Organic Farm (SOF)!

The Organic Farmer Training Program offers nine months of intensive
instruction in year-round organic farming.  The program focuses on
diversified production of vegetables, flowers, fruits and herbs for local
markets.  Students manage all aspects of a 10-acre certified organic farm,
including passive solar greenhouses used for year-round production in cold
climates.  Students also manage the SOF garden and field production.
Produce is grown for the farm's primary markets, including a 48-week CSA,
six-month on-campus farm stand, and sales to campus dining services.
Students develop competencies in farm skills through trainings and through
engagement in the daily operation of the farm.  Hands-on training is
combined with workshops, lectures, readings and assignments that build
participants' knowledge and understanding of organic farming principles
and practices.  The program is designed to give participants a strong
background in production skills as well as the knowledge, management, and
decision-making skills necessary to operate a diversified small farm.

Program participants include new and beginning farmers, urban and
community farmers and gardeners, educators, and those interested in local
or organic agriculture.



Space is limited

Rolling admissions

Application review begins Sept 1.



See attached flyer for more information

You can also view the flyer online by clicking
here<http://msuorganicfarm.org/2010/OFTP_info_sheet.pdf>



Visit our website for full program description and application

www.msuorganicfarm.org<http://www.msuorganicfarm.org/>



or contact us at msufarm at msu.edu<mailto:msufarm at msu.edu>

517-230-7987


Rory L. Neuner
Urban Policy Specialist
Michigan Environmental Council
e / rory at environmentalcouncil.org<mailto:rory at environmentalcouncil.org>
w / www.environmentalcouncil.org<http://www.environmentalcouncil.org>
p / 517.487.9539
c / 517.515.3535
t / www.twitter.com/rory_neuner



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