So you’ve heard the phrase “farm to table” or “the local food movement.” Well now there’s a chance for you to actually earn a technical degree in the local food chain. And it’s an example of how education is adjusting to meet the needs of the industry.
Northcentral Technical College has seen a growing need for that type of ‘local food’ knowledge. That’s why they’ve started a Garden to Market specialist program taught by instructor Trevor Frank. Frank and the School of Agricultural Science, Utilities and Transportation Dean Greg Cisewski team up to tell Mid-West Farm Report what the course entails.
The Garden to Market Specialist Technical Diploma is designed for anyone interested in market gardening and fruit and vegetable production in a variety of agricultural settings, Cisewski explains. Learners will develop skills to start their own enterprises growing produce and other agriculture products to sell. Hands-on and classroom training are offered in both a hoop house and greenhouse lab setting.
The one-year program includes classes in greenhouse management, designing and timing a garden, soil science, and plant science and pest management, Frank says. Some of the potential careers graduates can pursue are in small to large scale food production, nurseries and greenhouses, or working with several farms as a propagation or transplant specialist.
Hands-on and classroom training is offered at NTC’s Agriculture Center of Excellence in Wausau. The classes start at the end of this month. If you’d like to apply, head to ntc.edu or call (715) 803-1645.
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