Organic Agriculture Program Viability Study

Demand for farm products has been growing continuously for the last several years. However, there are limited or no organic agriculture education options that complement the growing in interest in this area. Western Iowa Tech Community College has been developing courses in organic agriculture to assist farmers and/or interested individuals in transitioning to organic farming systems. This study has been conducted to determine the viability of an organic agriculture program at the college level in the Siouxland area.

Organic agriculture survey questionnaires were mailed to 1,000 Siouxland residents to learn about the participants’ perceptions regarding food issues, interest in organic agriculture and its products, interest in pursuing organic agriculture education, preferred settings and scheduling for classes, areas/subjects of interest and hindering factors. One hundred and eight completed and usable questionnaires were received.

Findings indicate that these respondents were concerned or very concerned about food safety, food freshness, chemical contamination and food cost. Overall, women seemed to be more concerned about genetically modified food supply than men do. Concern about chemical residue on food products increased as the age of respondents increased. Respondents were somewhat interested in organic farming, organic agriculture products and learning more about organic agriculture. They preferred face-to-face classes and evening schedule. However, when asked if they would consider taking organic agriculture credit courses, non-credit courses or pursuing a college diploma/degree in organic agriculture, these respondents indicated little or no interest in taking any of those options.

Contact:
Awoke D. Dollisso
4647 Stone Avenue
Sioux City, IA 51102-5199
dollisa@witcc.edu
712-274-8733, ext. 1209