As you may know Washtenaw Community College is developing a proposal for the college to offer a small farm management associates degree program. Once developed, the proposal must be submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval.
An important part of the planning for the proposal is to gain an understanding of the market needs in this field. You’ve been identifies as someone with an interest in farming or value added food.
The existing assumptions for developing this program are: • There is a need for training and education in small-scale farming in SE Michigan. • Training and education must have a distinct focus on business development. • Training and education will focus on organic growing practices. • Emphasis is on small-scale diversified crops, including season extension. • The program will include an option of a one-year certificate that can become an Associate Degree (2-year) if added to general education requirements. • A 1- or 2-year program cannot be teach everything there is to know about farming or growing. The program will provide a foundation and a plan for acquiring additional knowledge. • Potential job areas include: assistant farm manager, farm manager, institutional farm manager, starting own farm.
Your input into the development of this proposal is an important step toward a robust small farm management degree program in SE Michigan. Thank you for your time!