Sustainable Agriculture
- Career Studies Certificate (C.S.C.)
Program Snapshot
Your Learning Options
In-Person, Hybrid, Online
21 Credit Hours
Estimated Time to Complete
1 year (2 full-time semesters)
In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour
$176.00 | Calculate your costs
Why Sustainable Agriculture?
Discover the intricacies of planning and cultivating organically grown food crops.
- Gain insight into the planning and production methods of organically grown food crops.
- A program tailored for individuals interested in producing food crops for personal consumption or commercial sale through farmers' markets and direct-to-consumer marketing approaches.
- Experience abundant hands-on learning opportunities throughout the program.
Paying for College
We are committed to using all of the available funds to help you gain access to a college education. In fact, more than 91% of our students graduate without any educational debt. In 2023, Reynolds Community College students received over $21 million dollars in grants, loans, work-study and scholarships with the average aid awarded totaling over $4,000 per student.
Payment plans are offered to break down tuition payments. Textbook Assistance and Laptop Lending Programs are also available. Be sure to explore all the types of financial aid available as well!
Why Reynolds?
We are more than a community college.
Reynolds is the key that unlocks the door to your academic and professional success. Here you will find a safe place to start. We will help you explore, dream, succeed, try, and try again. Our amazing faculty and highly personalized advisors, your Reynolds Navigators, are well known for guiding you to discover that "aha moment.” That means an outstanding college experience, less debt, more freedom, and a solid start on your future.
Our sustainable agriculture instructors are committed to empowering your success, fueled by their passion for the field. You're not just a student; you become a valued member of our agricultural community, benefiting from tailored support, mentorship, and opportunities for career placement.
Immerse yourself in abundant hands-on learning opportunities, where you'll actively participate in sustainable agriculture practices, gaining practical skills and invaluable insights directly from the field.
At our Goochland facility discover the essential skills for sustainable agriculture and organic food production, vital for meeting the demands of the rapidly expanding organic food market. Explore topics including four-season food production, bio-intensive mini-farming, and market-oriented growing methods.
Building a more resilient community starts with people being able to feed themselves.
Professor Betsy Trice
Professor Betsy Trice is the co-owner of Peacemeal Farm, a small sustainable farm that specializes in growing vegetables and seeds as well as raising livestock.
Class Highlights
HRT 110 - Principles of Horticulture
Introduces concepts of plant growth and development. Covers horticultural practices, crops and environmental factors affecting plant growth.
HRT 130 - Intro to Sustainable Farming
Familiarizes students, through lecture and demonstration, with small-scale food production by gardening. Covers the basics of composting and organic vegetable gardening using sustainable farming methods.
HRT 239 - Complete Diet Farming
Considers sustainable farming methods by which food can be grown for personal or family consumption, emphasizing high nutritional yield in relatively small areas. Focuses on the development of a garden plan that includes vegetable and root crops and grains used for food and composting.
Program Roadmap
Get all the details on our Sustainable Agriculture program, including class sequences, admission requirements, financial considerations, and more.
Additional Program Information
PURPOSE: With the rapid growth in planning, production, and marketing of organically produced foods, there is an increasing need for qualified personnel trained in sustainable agriculture and organic food production methods. The Career Studies Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture is designed for persons interested in producing food crops for personal consumption or for sale to the public through farmers’ markets and other direct-to-consumer marketing strategies.
OCCUPATIONAL OBJECTIVES: Owner/operator of a food crop production business, including the production of food crops for specialty markets, e.g., restaurants, farmer’s markets, herb producers, and pick-your-own operations; managing entry-level workers at other food production businesses; growing products to create secondary products (value added); and planning and growing food crops to be used for personal consumption
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: General college curricular admission.
