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

On Tue, July 28, 2009 2:00 pm, Rory Neuner wrote:

Hi Lowell,

I don't represent the SOF or the University, so I won't attempt to speak
for the SOF or the University, but I can tell you from conversations that
they seem very sensitive to the price tag. To clarify, what the Farm
offers is not just a "course", but an intensive training program.

I REALIZE IT IS AN INTENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM BUT THE PRICE STILL MAKES IT
ELITIST.

Also -- I will echo Maggie on the reality of funding for our state
universities, as well as the expectation in today's society that students
should bear the burden of the big price tag we've put on higher ed.

TO WHOSE EXPECTATION IN TODAYS SOCIETY ARE YOU REFERRING?

I DON'T WANT TO GET INTO A SOCIALISTIC RANT ON THE DISPARITIES IN OUR
SOCIETY.

THE SIMPLE FACT IS WE NOW HAVE A NEW FORM OF SEGREGATION WHICH IS
SEGREGATED EDUCATION, BASED ON ONE'S ABILITY TO PAY.

Regarding the funding issue -- you're just in time. The Farm is hosting a
Hoophouse Gala event on September 17th. Proceeds will be used to create
scholarships to support the training and education of SOF students. So,
given their constraints, they are moving in the direction of covering
student costs. Call me if you want a ticket.

I'D BE HAPPY TO MAKE A DONATION BUT ...

THAT IS NOT THE WAY TO FUND A PROGRAM WHICH IS CRITICAL TO BRINGING A NEW
MIND SET TO MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL WHICH IS BASED ON SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC
FARMING PRACTICES ...

AND IS NOT BASED ON:

DESTRUCTIVE FARMING PRACTICES, FOSTERED IN PART, BY EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS BEHOLDEN IN PART, TO RESEARCH GRANTS FROM:

THE PETRO-CHEMICAL FERTILIZER INDUSTRY, THE PESTICIDE AND HERBICIDE
INDUSTRY, THE GENETIC SEED ENGINEERING INDUSTRY, ETC.

IN SHORT:

THE LAST THING THOSE INDUSTRIES WANT TO SEE IS A WIDE SPREAD USE
OF SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC FARMING PRACTICES, AS IT WILL IN LARGE PART,
PUT THEM OUT OF BUSINESS.

OBVIOUSLY, THEY WILL AND HAVE SPENT BIG MONEY TO PREVENT IT.

THAT IS WHY FUNDING IS SO CRITICAL FOR ENSURING THAT EDUCATION IN
SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC FARMING PRACTICES, IS AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE,
IRREGARDLESS OF INCOME, WHO IS PRESENTLY IN MICHIGAN AGRICULTURE
OR WHO WANTS A CAREER IN MICHIGAN AGRICULTURE.

REGARDS,

LOWELL PRAG

-----Original Message-----
From: enviro-mich-bounces at great-lakes.net
[mailto:enviro-mich-bounces at great-lakes.net] On Behalf Of Lowell Prag
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2009 12:28 PM
To: enviro-mich at great-lakes.net
Subject: 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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enviro-mich is hosted by the Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN):

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All views and opinions presented above are solely those of the author
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the Great Lakes Commission.

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