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Let it Grow!. ES 382 Group # 1 Presentation: Andrea Zittlau, Andrea Evans, Julia Bennett, Chloe Donatelli and Stafford Richter. Project Goals:. Comparative analysis of agricultural programs to find best model for UVic to emulate.
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Let it Grow! ES 382 Group # 1 Presentation: Andrea Zittlau, Andrea Evans, Julia Bennett, Chloe Donatelli and Stafford Richter
Project Goals: • Comparative analysis of agricultural programs to find best model for UVic to emulate. • Build upon body of research in S. 7.0 of the PEAS Educational Program and Research Centre Proposal. • Focus given to: program design, funding, land access and overcoming barriers. • Share recommendations with OCBR and at Food Matters Event.
13 years of proposals: • Camassia Proposal (1997) • UnCommon Ground (March 2005) • University Cedar Hill Corner Agriculture Facility Proposal (Spring 2008) • UVIc Beyond Climate Neutral Guide (2008) • The PEAS Educational Program and Research Centre at the University of Victoria (May 2010) • CanAssist - Can Grow Proposal (Fall 2009)
CUAC Proposal 6 hectares of the CHCP to be used as: • An educational farm, enthobotancial gardens, permaculture food forest, community gardens and a therapeutic garden. • Harvest Feast. • Create an Interdisciplinary School of Permaculture, Ethnoecology, Agroecology and Sustainability [PEAS] Ideal Location: Cedar Hill Corner Site is 12.4 ha (30.7 acres) Adjacent to Cedar Hill X and the South Woods.
University Response: Campus Plan (2003) CJVI > CHCP (2006) Management Plan(2010): • Primary Role • Secondary Role • Usage Conditions Master Plan Study (TBA) Another Location?
Project Methods • Researched other post-secondary institutions with sustainable agriculture programs • E-mailed a survey to other post secondary institutions • E-mailed a survey to faculty members at UVic who were identified by CUAC as ‘champions’ • Met with Rita Fromholt the Sustainability Coordinator
Barriers • Funding • Complex Structure of Interdisciplinary Model • Land • Lack of Connection to Academic Program and Faculty • Transient Nature of Students:
Barriers- Anonymous Quotes • “I think this is an excellent idea but I am completely overloaded with other commitments…” • “This is certainly important but well outside my research interests and expertise.” • “You have lovely, warm, fuzzy ideals which is great, but I, personally, don’t think the idea of people in our society growing a large proportion of their own food is practical or probable.” • “I am not sure that I would advocate pursuit of a similar program at UVic given we lack the expertise in agriculture.” • “Ultimately I think you will run into some barriers with our senior administration. They are a rather conservative bunch in my opinion.”
Case Study: UBC Faculty of Land and Food Systems. • 24 hectare learning and research farm located on campus • UBC Farm Working Group manages the farm • Consistent funding helped get the project off the ground and continues to sustain it • The farm is used by different faculties to create an interdisciplinary living lab.
Case Study: University of Washington • Farm Est. 2004 on a third of an acre. Operated by faculty and students. • Many sources of funding and awarding winning • No formal agriculture program but coursework uses the farm • Staff: Education Coordinator, Farm Director, Student Intern and large volunteer network. • Social Events and external partnerships.
Case Study: Lane Community College • 1 acre of land and established in 2006. • $1 per student= $35,000 garden budget • Student-led interdisciplinary education model • Food from the garden goes to campus restaurant and culinary arts program. • Volunteerism and Site Coordinator roles.
Case Study: University of Santa Cruz Centre for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. • Represents the PEAS proposal in practice • 2 Acre Alan Chadwick Garden • 25 acre farm • Programs Offered • Keys to Success
Case Study: Kwantlen Polytechnic’s Richmond Farm School • Municipal enabled Agriculture (MEA) program • Joint partnerships and funding. • Cohort Students v. General Interest Students. • Land allocation and tenure • Core Classes • Incubator Farm Sites. • Students will learn by doing!
Common Themes in Case Studies : -champion professor -consistent funding -interdisciplinary faculty use -connected with community, and different faculties -agricultural programs come before the farm in most cases
Recommendations • Support the Campus Community Garden with UVSS funds. • Establish an Interdisciplinary minor in Sustainable Food Systems. • Coordinate with Continuing Studies to offer experiential learning opportunities.
Next Steps: • Friday December 3rd meeting with Dr. Janet Pivnick, Program Coordinator for Environmental and Sustainability Programs (Continuing Studies) • Interview with Director of Human Dimensions of Climate Change program (TBA) • Interview with Director of Social Justice Studies (TBA) • Presentation at Food Matters Event. You me calling chicken?