Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture at UC Santa Cruz

The Center for Agro ecology and Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS) at UC Santa Cruz offers a six-month training course in organic gardening and farming called the Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture. The course, based at the UCSC Farm and Garden, emphasizes hands-on learning, working side-by-side with instructors, and classes in organic horticultural methods. Cultural requirements for vegetable, herb, flower and fruit cultivars are covered, including the specifics of soil preparation, composting, sowing, cultivation, propagation, irrigation, and pest and disease control. Marketing efforts include an on-site community supported agriculture (CSA) project. This is a full-time program involving strenuous field and garden work five days a week.

Tuition for the program is $3,000 with additional costs for books, tools, and food. There are several full and partial tuition waivers available for minorities and for economically disadvantaged individuals.

Dates for the program are April 10, 2000 - October 13, 2000. Application deadlines are: November 1, 1999 (US and Canadian citizens), September 1, 1999(international applicants). For an informational brochure and application contact CASFS, UC Santa Cruz, 1156 High St., Santa Cruz, CA 95064; Tel:(831) 459-2321; Fax: (831) 459-2799; Web: http://zzyx.ucsc.edu/casfs