College of

    Agricultural & Life Sciences
    UNIVERSITY of WISCONSIN-MADISON UW-MADISON

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    Organic Agriculture Certificate

    Organic Agriculture Certificate

    The organic agriculture certificate is open to all UW–Madison students. This interdisciplinary certificate explores the production and processing approaches that define organic agriculture, farm to fork, individual wellness and health initiatives, and sustainable development efforts.

    In this 15-credit certificate program you will:

    • Learn about the history of current organic systems and how it influences the way that organic farms and industries work
    • Explore the biological, ecological, and agricultural underpinnings of organic production systems as well as economic, environmental, health, and policy aspects
    • Examine how organic systems, social initiatives, and regulations are developed and how they shape business activities, community development efforts, and human and environmental health outcomes
    • Understand topics in organic agriculture such as global food security, climate change, animal and human welfare, and the stories behind our food and fashion
    • Be set up for success for a variety of disciplines with organic agriculture production, policy, marketing, business, management, wellness, and community development
    • Choose electives from courses in these themes:
      • Organic production and processing
      • Business and entrepreneurship
      • Public policy
      • Social dimensions

    What can CALS offer you?

    CALS students are curious to discover how our living world works and are passionate about using science to improve it.

    Our programs span five areas of study and encourage students to pursue their passions in the classroom and beyond. Learn more about how our students are set up for success:

    Want to learn more about the organic agriculture certificate?

    view guide

    Your CALS Experience

    Learn through hands-on experiences

    Join a faculty lab and explore organic agriculture outside the classroom. Step out into the field, develop your skills, and learn first-hand from a team of passionate faculty, staff, and graduate students.

    Study organic research in areas such as dairy science, field crops, plant breeding, vegetable production, and social science.

    Watch this video to learn more about the organic agriculture certificate and its hands-on opportunities.

    Live with others interests in organic agriculture

    The GreenHouse Learning Community in Leopold Residence Hall gives students the opportunity to go beyond a conventional residence hall experience. As a residence, you have access to an on-site rooftop greenhouse, unique seminars, field trips, shared meals, volunteering opportunities, and so much more.

    Get involved. Find your people.

    Explore some of the many organic agriculture-related student organizations and initiatives at UW–Madison:

    Advisor & Contact Information

    Advisors can answer your questions, help you create a degree plan that meets your personal and professional goals, and connect you to resources across the UW–Madison campus.

    Incoming students should reach out to CALS Academic Affairs Team to direct your questions. Current UW–Madison students should schedule with their assigned advisor using Starfish.

    CALS Academic Affairs

    116 Agricultural Hall
    1450 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706

    academicaffairs@cals.wisc.edu
    (608) 262-3003

    Organic Agriculture Advising

    284 Russell Labs
    1630 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706

    abhochmuth@wisc.edu
    (608) 262-9926

    Want to learn more about the organic agriculture certificate?

    View requirements, Courses, and more on Guide
    View the organic agriculture Certificate website
    View all CALS Majors and Certificates
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