Trouble hits the Middle East and terrorism fears rise, a hurricane hits the Gulf Coast and diesel prices rise, an E-Coli epidemic hits the spinach crops and no one can feel safe about their vegetables anymore. All these and more are factors that push landowners and window box gardeners to look toward being more self-sufficient when it comes to the food they provide themselves and their families. Other landowners may be looking to create or supplement their income with agricultural businesses. With Carroll and the surrounding counties being heavily covered in rich, often unused land, it is no surprise that interest in learning ways to bring it to life has risen. In response to this need, the University of West Georgia's Department of Continuing Education has established the "Sustainable Growers School".
The course will assist students in everything from the basics of soil and agriculture, to farm planning, funding, and equipment purchasing. According to Dr. Jim Agan, Director of the Continuing Education program, "there are lots of folks who have property that is underutilized and they are interested to learn how to use it more efficiently for agricultural purposes." He goes on to explain that "the program is divided into several weeks of topic workshops that will help a person learn about soils, vegetable production, farm planning, how to use greenhouses, how to buy a tractor, fruit tree management, animal husbandry and how to fund farm programs."
The program emphasizes the concept of sustainable agriculture which rests on the concept that we must meet our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.
The program is sponsored in part by the National Resources Conservation Service, thus lowering the overall cost to those looking to participate in the course. The class will meet on 8 different Saturdays beginning March 3 and the cost of the course is $350. Students will attend lectures, demonstrations and a working garden will be utilized on the campus. To learn more visit www.TheGrowersSchool.org or for more information on this or the myriad of other programs offered by Continuing Education call 678-839-6611.
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