SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind –   Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College has announced the addition of a graduate certificate in sustainable agriculture to its academic offerings beginning in the spring.

The graduate certificate is for farmers, agriculture educators and concerned citizens interested in alternatives to industrial agricultural practices. It is a 17-credit program designed to be delivered over five months with the first classes running from March to July 2019.

Officials say that agriculture is a leading industry in the Midwest region of Indiana and Illinois of which Vigo County is the center. Most farming operations currently rely heavily on the application of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides which markedly impact water quality and public health.

The localized impact is exacerbated by erosion and runoff, affecting communities across a much greater area. Students in the certificate program will learn the skills necessary to make informed decisions and take responsible actions to foster increased use of sustainable farming methods.

The program is housed in the Department of Sciences and Mathematics at SMWC.

For more info or to apply to the program, visit https://www.smwc.edu/sustainableag