In collaboration with the Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pa., DelVal will offer this 36-credit certificate program specifically designed for those interested in organic farming. Originally designed for veterans, the organic farming program is now open to non-veterans.

The one-year program will incorporate classroom courses on animal science, marketing, plant disease diagnosis and entomology during the spring and fall semesters on the DelVal campus. During the summer semester, students will take classes and get hands-on experience at Rodale.

According to the USDA, organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.

DelVal is proud to be a Yellow Ribbon School. Veterans who are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill will have up to 100% of their tuition paid by their GI Bill, in addition to receiving funds for housing and books. 

In addition to the curriculum, the program also includes business development skills and career placement assistance.

For more information about the veteran organic farming program, contact Dennis Riling via email or call 215.808.4640.

Summer Semester 2013 (Rodale Campus)
Course Number Course Title Credits
  Soil Biology  3
  Plant Health Management 3
  Hands-On Fieldwork 1 (Post-harvest, weed ID) 6
Fall Semester 2013
Course Number Course Title Credits
AS 1006 Intro. to Animal Science 3
HT 2240 Organic Food Production 3
AE 3127 Marketing of Horticultural Products 3
  Hands-On Fieldwork 2 (Hort Production, Roth) 3
Spring Semester 2014
Course Number Course Title Credits
HT 3240 Integrated Pest Management 3
HT 2211 Commercial Vegetable Production 3
HT 2335 Principles of Sustainable Agriculture 2
  Hands-On Fieldwork 3 (Hort Production, Roth) 4
Total
 
36