Organic Production Concentration:
Organic production is a concentration of study in the Department of Plant Sciences integrates courses in plant science with soil science, agricultural economics, entomology, ecology, and plant pathology to give students the knowledge and skills needed for production and management of organic cropping systems. This program is offered to those interested in owning or managing organic farms, working with agricultural extension or governmental and nongovernmental organizations, joining the Peace Corps or other international agricultural development efforts, consulting, pursuing a graduate education in agronomy or horticulture, or working in other areas of the rapidly growing organic foods and agricultural products industry.
Students have the opportunity to develop a personalized program in organic production by selecting from technical electives offered in a wide variety of areas, including environmental sciences, food science, marketing, sociology, foreign language, and other areas related to student career goals. Classroom instruction is enhanced by the 90-acre Organic Crops Unit located near the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville.
Organic production curriculum:
Graduates in organic production enter a variety of careers. Organic horticulturists and agronomists are managers of organic farms or vineyards, consultants, orchardists, teachers, extension agents, sales representatives, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Growth in demand for organically-produced vegetables, fruits, grains, and other agricultural products creates a constant need for well-trained professionals to join this rapidly growing and evolving industry. This concentration also prepares students with a strong interest in the science of organic crop production for graduate studies (M.S., Ph.D.) in horticulture, agronomy, or related disciplines. Opportunities exist for students to gain valuable hands-on experience through employment as student workers in research labs, at UT’s Organic Crops Research Unit, or through a wide-variety of internships.
For more information contact Dr. David Butler
