By Anastasia Killham

Mirroring a nation wide trend, organic and locally grown products are increasingly in demand. Cal Poly, SLO is no exception. In a recent survey of high school seniors who will be going into agricultural colleges, organic agriculture was stated as being the number one major of interest. This is likely due to a greater eco-consciousness in young adults and an increased understanding of the impact that agriculture has on the environment. The next generation of farmers will need to know how to farm in congruence with nature through promoting biodiversity and conserving resources.
Since 1989, the Cal Poly Organic Farm (CPO) has been providing educational opportunities in sustainable and organic agriculture through an on-campus farm that serves as the center of a thriving network of producers and consumers. Over time the original 2-acre ‘home site’ has been utilized to demonstrate organic techniques that are appropriate for small farms and gardens. It was the first plot on campus to undergo the three year long organic certification process. There are now two additional blocks, totaling approximately 11 acres, which are also certified organic and demonstrate more commercial-scale agriculture.
CPOF is training future farmers, as is evidenced by the graduating class of 2009. Three graduating farm employees have plans to return to their respective homes (Templeton, San Diego, and Cape Cod, MA.) to start their own Community Supported Agriculture Program.
The Cal Poly Organic Farm is “the” place to go for students interested in learning how to grow food more sustainably. Each quarter students from a variety of majors learn “by doing”, growing if you will, how food is produced. At any time throughout the year they are likely to be introduced to as many as 25 different vegetable crops that are grown on the organic acreage. Through the Community Supported Agriculture Program (a yearlong vegetable subscription offering from the Farm) and the Organic Enterprise Course: CRSC 203, students are introduced to concepts and practical hands on knowledge about gardening and production agriculture. Students sow seeds, plant, transplant, weed, harvest, wash, pack and market food that is grown on the Farm. For many, these concepts and technical skills are entirely new.
The enterprise students and approximately 20 paid student staff members work under the direction of Farm Manager Cindy Douglas and Production Supervisor Jerry Mahoney. An increasing number of volunteers, some who work specifically for a ‘share’ of Farm veggies, also contribute and learn about sustainable agriculture.
CPOF’s CSA members invest in the Farm at the start of a season to receive a weekly share of produce, of which the majority is grown at CPOF. Additional produce is purchased for the shares from a network of ‘Collaborative Growers’ throughout the county. Through ongoing communication, CPOF is able to supplement their shares with produce from other farms resulting in a consistently diverse and abundant weekly share and a needed investment in the local agriculture economy.
The best way to support organic and sustainable agricultural education is by purchasing the Farm’s produce through the year-round CSA Program or at the Thursday evening and Saturday morning San Luis Obispo Farmers Markets.
For more information or to schedule a CPOF tour, please visit: www.calpolyorgfarm.com, call: 805-756-6139 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .