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Sustainable Agriculture

» Continuing Education » Lifelong Learning » Sustainable Agriculture

» Continuing Education » Lifelong Learning » Sustainable Agriculture

2023 Summer Semester Course Registration Begins April 3rd. Learn more. COVID-19 New Policies Effective 08/20. Learn More.

The Responsible Choice

Sustainable agriculture is the ecological choice of the future as farmers strive toward the necessary sound land stewardship that will protect the food supply for future generations. Austin Community College is proud to offer a variety of courses for students eager to obtain training in organic food production methods and agricultural business skills.

Would You Like To View Program Courses?

View Course Schedule

Obtain the Skills the Market Needs Now

ACC's Sustainable Agriculture Program offers courses that focus on ecological farming, quality of life and farm profitability. Our courses are designed to provide training to anyone interested in pursuing a career in sustainable agriculture.

For students not yet ready to embark upon farming as a career path, these courses will further their understanding of ecological land management and sustainable agriculture, and may clarify what role they can contribute as future land stewards, plant breeders, agricultural engineers, garden educators or policy advocates.

  • Sustainable Agriculture Certificate
    The Sustainable Agriculture certificate program is designed to be a multi-faceted training for aspiring farmers and students interested in related careers. Courses provide hands on time on the campus farm to cultivate a working knowledge of ecological farming practices. The Sustainable Agriculture Certificate track is comprised of six required courses. Upon completion of all six classes, students must contact program coordinator to request their final Sustainable Agriculture Certificate.

  • The Land Stewardship for the Hobby Farmer
    The Land Stewardship for the Hobby Farmer institutional award program provides students with the basic essential skills for ecological land management on the market garden scale. Students will gain theoretical as well as hands-on skills and experience, and may choose to specialize in annual crop or livestock management.

    The Land Stewardship for the Hobby Farmer Award track is comprised of 3 required courses and 1 elective. Upon completion of all four classes, students must contact program coordinator to request their final Land Stewardship Certificate.

  • The Green Gardener
    The Green Gardener Award introduces students to essential knowledge and skill sets to begin gardening with the seasons in central Texas using eco-friendly methods.

Are you interested in this program?

Learn More

The Future of Agriculture is at ACC

Did You Know? - Looking to learn more about agriculture, but do not want to complete a certificate program? No problem! Take as few, or as many classes that interest you.

ACC's Elgin Campus is home for our Sustainable Agriculture Certificate program and houses a farm for true hands on experience. For more information on this unique and exciting program, please contact our program coordinator today.

Program
Information

Tuition

$1,700
Additional Fees Apply

Payment Options

Financial Assistance Available

Time Commitment

2 Semesters
368 Contact Hours

Certification

Sustainable Agriculture Certificate
Land Stewardship for Hobby Farm
Green Gardener

Program FAQ's

View Program FAQ's

Career
Information

Median Salary

$47,394
New workers start around $26,318. Normal pay is $47,394 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $114,615.

Annual Job Openings

12
Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.

Program
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Program Information
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Contact
Information

Program Coordinator

Ellen Beaman
Send An Email
512-223-9466

Course Registration

512-223-7542
512-223-0124
ceregistration@austincc.edu

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Sustainable Agriculture Course Listings

2023 Spring Semester

2023 Spring Semester

Jan 3rd, 2023 - May 29th, 2023

View Schedule
2023 Summer Semester

2023 Summer Semester

May 30th, 2023 - Aug 20th, 2023

View Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

? How long does it take to complete the program?

The sustainable Agriculture Certificate can be completed in two semesters. The Hobby Farmer certificate can also be completed in two semesters. Check the website for dates and times.

? Do I have to take the classes in order?

Introductory courses are offered in the Fall, and more in-depth courses are offered in the Spring. This is the recommended order to take courses in, though not absolutely required.

? May I attend classes more than once?

You may attend each class once. If you need to change the section you are registered in, please notify the coordinator and instructor. If space is available, then the change will be made or you may take the class next time it is offered.

? What if I do not want to take all of the classes?

Students are welcome to enroll in only the courses which they are interested in.

? Is the Sustainable Agriculture program for the hobbyist, or actual job training?

The level One Sustainable Agriculture Certificate is comprehensive and introduces students to what it takes to begin their own small scale farm endeavors as potential producers or managers. Students may enter the sustainable agriculture field in a myriad of other possible careers such as garden educator, school farm coordinator, produce marketing, agricultural policy and food system advocates.

The program can also help students gear up towards pursuing higher education in agriculture such as moving on to four year programs and potentially becoming agricultural researchers, engineers, etc. Students wishing to further their learning for personal enrichment on the hobby scale are encouraged to explore our Land Stewardship for the Hobby Farmer Award and Green Gardener Award.

? What is the class attendance policy?

Students may miss no more than three class periods per course.

? Do courses have written tests or grades?

Students enrolled in the Sustainable Agriculture certificate will be tested on their knowledge and recieve grades. Students enrolled in the Hobby farm or green gardenaward will be graded pass or fail.

? How physically strenuous are the courses?

Many courses involve a fair amount of being on our feet, some repetitive activities, and being outside in hot and/or cold weather. There is some traversing uneven terrain and getting your hands immersed in soil and water.

? Do you offer job placement?

We do not offer specific job placement, however, local farms and other food business contact us regularly when they are looking for help. We forward this information onto the students for follow up.

? How much do the classes cost?

Tuition for Sustainable Agriculture Certificate classes range from ~$300 - ~$370 each, excluding materials and fees. Tuition for the Land Stewardship for the hobby farmer award classes range from ~$200 - $370, depending on the class, and excluding materials and fees.

To view pricing for each class:

  1. Click on the class of interest from the webpage.
  2. This will open a second page listing all active courses.
  3. From there, click on the synonym number to view pricing information.

? Do I need to purchase any equipment to bring to class?

On the first day of class the instructor will go over necessary tools and equipment that you may need to provide, often this means work gloves and some hand tools.

? Is there required dress code?

Students must always be prepared with closed toed shoes and weather appropriate clothing including a hat, gloves, sun and bug protection. A water bottle and pocket knife are also recommended.

? Where are the classes located?

Courses for the Sustainable Agriculture Certificate are located on the Elgin campus. All other courses are located online or at the Riverside campus.

Elgin Campus
1501 West U.S. Hwy. 290
Elgin, Texas 78621

View Campus Information

? Course Listing: Level One Sustainable Agriculture Certificate

The Level One Sustainable Agriculture Certificate includes six required courses. The courses should be taken in sequence as they complement each other to provide the student a well-rounded introduction into soil health, crop production, hands on skills, and resource conservation.

  • Time commitment: 2 Semesters
  • Contact Hours: 368
  • Tuition: $1700 excluding materials and fees

Required Courses

  • AGCR-1071: Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture (48 hours)
  • AGCR-2018: Soil Science (80 hours)
  • AGCR-1093 Integrated Pest Management (48 hours)
  • HALT-2021 Small Scale Farming (64 hours)
  • AGME-1015 Farm and Ranch Shop Skills (48 hours)
  • AGCR-2013 Soil and Water conservation Planning (48hours)

? Course Listing: Land Stewardship for the Hobby Farmer Award

Students who desire to further their learning about sustainable agricultural practices whom may not yet be ready to commit to sustainable agriculture as a career path are encouraged to explore our Land Stewardship for the Hobby Farmer Award Track.

The Land Stewardship for the Hobby Farmer Award Program provides students with the basic essential skills for ecological land management on the market garden scale. Students will gain theoretical as well as hands-on skills and experience, and may choose to specialize in annual crop, livestock, or orchard management. Program completion requires 98-128 contact hours.

The Land Stewardship for the Hobby Farmer Award track is comprised of 3 required core courses and 1 elective.

Required Core Courses (80 hours)

  • AGMG-1070 Basic principles of sustainable agriculture (24 hours)
  • HALT-1005 Introduction to Soil (32 Hours)
  • AGCR-1070 Integrated Pest Management for Sustainable Agriculture (24 hours)

Eligible Electives (choose one, 18-48 hours)

  • AGAH-1070 Sustainable Livestock Management (48 hours)
  • AGCR-1094 Crops Science for Organic Agriculture (18 hours)

? Course Listing: Green Gardener Award

The Green Gardener Award introduces students to essential knowledge and skill sets to begin gardening with the seasons in central Texas using eco-friendly methods.

Core Courses

  • HALT-1005 Introduction to Soil
  • AGCX-3018 Seasonal Gardening
  • AGCR-1092 Irrigation for Sustainable Agriculture
  • HALT-1078 Integrated Pest Management -OR- AGCR-1070 Integrated Pest Management Basics for sustainable Agriculture

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Our program coordinator is here to answer any questions you may have.

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Join our mailing list and be among the first to know about new and exciting events, lectures and interactive workshops in and around the Austin area. Additionally, you can also sign up to receive specific news from our Lifelong Learning department, which this program falls under.

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Let Us Know How We Did

If you've completed this program, we want to hear how we did - for better or worse! We are here for you, the student, and your feedback allows us to continually improve our programs and strive for excellence.

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Contact A Program Coordinator

Questions or Comments About This Program?

Do you see yourself being a good fit for this program? Perhaps you have some additional questions you would like answered? Well, know that we are there for you to assist in any way we can. Please fill out the following form and our Sustainable Agriculture program coordinator will contact you directly.

Answer The Following Question: What is 7 x 3?

Coordinator

Ellen Beaman
512-223-9466

Location

ACC Northridge Campus
11928 Stonehollow Dr
Austin, Texas 78758

Sustainable Agriculture

We're Here to Help You Get There

Program Information: http://continue.austincc.edu/agriculture
Program Coordinator: Ellen Beaman @ 512-223-9466 | ellen.beaman@austincc.edu

The Responsible Choice

Sustainable agriculture is the ecological choice of the future as farmers strive toward the necessary sound land stewardship that will protect the food supply for future generations. Austin Community College is proud to offer a variety of courses for students eager to obtain training in organic food production methods and agricultural business skills.

Would You Like To View Program Courses?

View Course Schedule

Obtain the Skills the Market Needs Now

ACC's Sustainable Agriculture Program offers courses that focus on ecological farming, quality of life and farm profitability. Our courses are designed to provide training to anyone interested in pursuing a career in sustainable agriculture.

For students not yet ready to embark upon farming as a career path, these courses will further their understanding of ecological land management and sustainable agriculture, and may clarify what role they can contribute as future land stewards, plant breeders, agricultural engineers, garden educators or policy advocates.

  • Sustainable Agriculture Certificate
    The Sustainable Agriculture certificate program is designed to be a multi-faceted training for aspiring farmers and students interested in related careers. Courses provide hands on time on the campus farm to cultivate a working knowledge of ecological farming practices. The Sustainable Agriculture Certificate track is comprised of six required courses. Upon completion of all six classes, students must contact program coordinator to request their final Sustainable Agriculture Certificate.

  • The Land Stewardship for the Hobby Farmer
    The Land Stewardship for the Hobby Farmer institutional award program provides students with the basic essential skills for ecological land management on the market garden scale. Students will gain theoretical as well as hands-on skills and experience, and may choose to specialize in annual crop or livestock management.

    The Land Stewardship for the Hobby Farmer Award track is comprised of 3 required courses and 1 elective. Upon completion of all four classes, students must contact program coordinator to request their final Land Stewardship Certificate.

  • The Green Gardener
    The Green Gardener Award introduces students to essential knowledge and skill sets to begin gardening with the seasons in central Texas using eco-friendly methods.

Are you interested in this program?

Learn More

The Future of Agriculture is at ACC

Did You Know? - Looking to learn more about agriculture, but do not want to complete a certificate program? No problem! Take as few, or as many classes that interest you.

ACC's Elgin Campus is home for our Sustainable Agriculture Certificate program and houses a farm for true hands on experience. For more information on this unique and exciting program, please contact our program coordinator today.

Sustainable Agriculture Program Information

Tuition

$1,700
Books & Fees Not Included

Payment Options

Financial Assistance Available

Time Commitment

2 Semesters
368 Contact Hours

Certification

Sustainable Agriculture Certificate
Land Stewardship for Hobby Farm
Green Gardener

Median Wage

$47,394

Job Market

12

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