For a long time I've been puzzled that the University of Nebraska doesn't have a major in sustainable agriculture. NU sponsors lots of seminars and conferences on the topic, but hasn't yet made a commitment to an academic program. Given its land grant mission, it seems like there would be more leadership from our ag-based university.
But according to this article Inside Higher Ed (Green Revolution, April 23, 2009), very few colleges have formal programs even though demand is high for education in this area of study, while enrollment in traditional agriculture programs has been dropping for years.
Are faculty torn between the companies that fund their labs and the students who want to learn how to farm without toxic chemicals? I have seen agribusiness companies play hardball with researchers, so it's certainly possible. The article title is ironic, since the original "green revolution" of the 1960's and 70's was about increasing yields through application of fertilizers and pesticides. I wonder, if American land grant universities don't get on board, who will train the next generation of farmers? Maybe this place http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/education/ecologic/youngdesigners.htm.
About the photo: Buffalo fly trap, low-tech way to rid cattle of insects. The trap brushes flies off cattle as they walk through. Courtesy CSIRO Australia. Photo Dr Robert Sutherst. From Australia Innovates:an on-line guide to innovation in Australia's industries
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