Agricultural systems are complex and dynamic. In recent years, questions have been raised regarding the sustainability of energy and resource intensive agriculture systems. While all agriculturally oriented majors of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) consider issues of sustainability in agriculture, the Sustainable Agriculture minor provides a concentration of courses giving students greater understanding of scientific, technological, and socio-economic factors affecting the viability of agriculture. Students examine ecological features of agriculture and work through decision-making case studies involving integrated management of specific agricultural systems. The minor provides a degree of flexibility and individuality through several elective options. Students should develop their course of study in consultation with an advisor in one of the CFANS major programs. This minor allows students to study sustainability of agricultural food systems from an integrated perspective including coursework, practical experience and community reflection.
Fact Sheet (PDF, 88 kb)
Handbook of Course Requirements and Procedures (PDF, 273 kb)
Internship Information
Contact People
Dr. Craig Sheaffer
Minor Coordinator, Sustainable Agriculture Undergraduate Minor
University of Minnesota
mailing address: 411 Borlaug Hall
1991 Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108
tel. 612-625-7224
toll-free: 800-909-MISA (6472)
fax: 612-625-1268
e-mail: sheaf001@umn.edu
Ms. Courtney Tchida
Program Coordinator, Sustainable Agriculture Minor
University of Minnesota
mailing address: 411 Borlaug Hall
1991 Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108
office location: 413 Hayes Hall
tel. 612-625-2738
toll-free: 800-909-MISA (6472)
e-mail: tchi0003@umn.edu | 
