HORT 2490

Students will differentiate between various crop production systems against a background of traditional systems, sustainability, plant breeding and genetic modification (GM) of organisms. They will examine current organic accreditation standards and processes in Canada. Students will investigate crop rotations, describe characteristics of good quality growing media, and describe common organic crop nutrition inputs. Students will develop an integrated pest management (IPM) plan within organic constraints for a specific greenhouse or field crop and investigate the marketing claims of organic food. Students will examine safe food production practices within the context of organic systems. Students will apply studies in each of these areas to a review of a food system model as typified by a school community or municipality.