Grow the Future of Food and Farming
Where agricultural change, hands-on learning, and community impact come together
Turn your passion for the environment, agriculture, food systems, forests, and community economic development into a meaningful career. The B.S. in Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture program helps you understand and imagine how healthy farms, resilient forests, and sustainable food systems support people and the planet in Appalachia and beyond.
What You'll Learn
You'll gain a deep understanding of the ecological principles that shape sustainable agriculture while learning practical skills in regenerative farming, resilient gardening, ecological pest management, sustainable forestry, soil health, ecosystem stewardship, and food systems, including policy-making, markets, and community development. Beyond the field, you'll examine how community networks, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies help build thriving food systems.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Cultivate real-world experiences at Appalachian State’s Blackburn Vannoy Teaching and Research Farm and in the Sustainable Development Civic Garden. Work directly with local farmers, extension educators, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies to tackle production and policy challenges while building practical skills.
Career Pathways
Graduates pursue careers in farming, forestry, agricultural extension, conservation, nonprofit leadership, community development, and sustainable agriculture initiatives in the Appalachian region and around the world.
Become Part of the Solution
The challenges facing our food and agricultural systems require innovative thinkers, skilled practitioners, and leaders who understand the connections between healthy ecosystems, just and sustainable food production, thriving communities, and sustainable livelihoods.
As an Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture student, you'll join a community committed to building more resilient farms and food systems and to stewarding our forests for the future. Whether you're interested in farming, conservation, community food systems, agricultural education, or nonprofit leadership, you'll gain the knowledge and hands-on experience to help create positive change.
If you're ready to turn your passion for the land, food, and the environment into meaningful action, Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture can help you become part of the solution—locally, nationally, and globally.