Cal Poly College of Agriculture
The Sustainable Agriculture Resource Consortium
sarc.calpoly.edu
The Sustainable
Agriculture Resource Consortium (SARC) is a program within
the College of Agriculture dedicated to the advancement of
sustainable food and agricultural systems. Founded in the
spring of 2000, the SARC seeks to fulfill its mission through
four primary methods of service:
- Education
of students and the general public on the principles and
specific techniques for implementing organic and sustainable
agricultural practices;
- Demonstration
of holistic approaches aimed at enhancing the sustainability
of agricultural systems, and co-management of the Cal Poly
Organic Farm;
- Investigation
of organic and sustainable farming methods through the use
of undergraduate senior projects, graduate theses and faculty
research; and
-
Facilitation of collaborative efforts among students, faculty,
staff and community members.
The SARC serves as a focal point for sustainable
agriculture on campus. To date, the SARC has been instrumental
in the development of the following initiatives:
- The
Organic Agriculture (AG 315) class, approved for General
Ed credit (Area F) in 2002, featuring guest lectures presented
by leaders of the organic industry each year;
-
The Enterprise for Organic Vegetable Production (CRSC 202
and 402), teaching skills in the production and marketing
of organically grown fruits, flowers and vegetables. Enrollment
in CRSC 202 and CRSC 402 is open to all students;
- Founding
of Cal Poly’s first Community Supported Agriculture
(CSA) program, which, now in its seventh season. The CSA
provides 240 members with either a half or full share box
of fresh organically grown produce on a weekly basis and
offers a discounted membership rate for Cal Poly students;
- An
annual conference for agricultural Pest Control Advisors
in sustainable agriculture held in December highlighting
innovative practices for industry professionals;
-
Hosting of several public lectures and forums featuring
leaders in sustainable agriculture;
- Coordination
of numerous workshops and continuing education classes for
a diverse group of stakeholders, including schoolchildren,
adult community members, and groups such as Americorps,
ElderHostel, FARMS Leadership, MESA, SLO Master Gardeners
and YMCA;
- Enhancement
of the Cal Poly Organic Farm, now featuring 3.5 certified
organic acres and 8 non-certified acres that are managed
organically;
-
A Website,
Newsletter and E-mail updates featuring links to relevant
resources, program descriptions and events calendars.
Additional SARC projects envisioned for the
future include:
- Creation
of a Sustainable Agriculture minor in cooperation with CAGR
faculty;
-
A compost technology program including professional development
for producers;
-
Collaboration in regional food systems projects e.g., through
the new SLO Ag Network;
- “Chefs-afield”
offerings - educational
programs linking agriculture, cuisine and nutrition;
- An
international agriculture program and/or exchange focusing
on sustainable agriculture strategies for developing countries.
SARC
Resource Center
(805) 756-5086
sarc@calpoly.edu
Dr. Neal MacDougall, Faculty Director
nmacdoug@calpoly.edu
Hunter Francis, Program Coordinator
wfrancis@calpoly.edu
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