Research and Education Impacting Farming, Families and the Future
When I started working at the organic student farm at WSU in Pullman, the farm was really taking off. Experiencing organic agriculture from the field-level was an invaluable experience. Weeding, transplanting, and harvesting produce for the farm’s CSA made me realize that we all too often take good food for granted. As an anthropology major, the soils classes I took as part of the organic agriculture program broadened my undergraduate experience and set me on my current career path, which now focuses on agricultural and urban water conservation.”
- Haley Paul
Today’s consumers care about where their food comes from and how it is grown. They care about the impact of agricultural and natural resource management practices on the environment. They care about preserving a healthy, sustainable future for their children. Washington State University has grown the research base to support and refine those practices. It is a partnership that has made Washington an international leader in organic agriculture.
To be a leader in organic agricultural research and education, it’s necessary to have appropriate facilities. Washington State University is leading the way with over 100 acres of organic land at six different facilities throughout the state. Various tracts of WSU’s organic land are labeled as certified, in transition to certification, or organically managed, depending on practices used and length of time in the program. WSU’s organic facilities are primarily used for research, but are also used for teaching.
The WSU Organic Farm was certified organic in 2004 it is currently 4 acres in size. It is used as a learning tool for students majoring in organic agriculture as it offers experiential learning in practical organic agriculture skills and concepts. The WSU Organic smartFARM will expand and enhance our current capabilities and become a 17 acre multi-disciplinary organic farming operation and community center. This farm will include state of the art science and technology for research and education that can impact the state of Washington and beyond.
