Sustainable Farming and Food Systems

The Sustainable Farming and Food Systems program emphasizes the practical skills it takes to manage a small, diverse farm, while providing students with a broad exposure to the social and ecological considerations of truly sustainable food production and distribution. Students in the program take courses in entrepreneurship, accounting, environmental studies, biology, and unique food systems seminars. They will apply this knowledge on a working farm located on the College's main campus and work closely with food retailers, restaurants, as well as the College Eatery and the College’s Coltivare culinary center in downtown Ithaca as part of the College's unique Farm to Bistro concept.

Sustainable Farming and Food Systems

Degree Requirements

Careers on Career Coach

This program has wide appeal to students with diverse career goals. Those wishing to become farmers will gain practical on-farm experience with issues such as spring planning, farm management, pest control, harvesting techniques, and post-harvest handling. Students who wish to work more broadly with community groups in advocacy positions will find courses that emphasize social issues, ecological relationships, and ethical considerations. Learn more about related jobs: 

Program Chairs

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Susan Stafford

Professor

Sue Stafford brings 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry to her position in the classroom as chair of the Hotel and Restaurant Management, Culinary Arts, and Wine Marketing Degree Programs. She was also instrumental in the development of the farm to bistro concept, which features an organic farm on campus that provides fresh produce to the College's downtown Ithaca restaurant and culinary center, Coltivare.

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Chef Amanda Bisson

Amanda Bisson

Assistant Professor

Chef Amanda Bisson joined TC3 in 2017 as an educator in both culinary arts and sustainable farming. With over 10 years’ experience in both industries, she offers a wealth of knowledge to students in the Farm to Bistro learning community. Chef Bisson strongly believes in partnerships between chefs and farmers and their capacity to impact community food systems. “Culinary Arts is not just a career; it is a language, a science, an art, and comes with social responsibility to our community” she says. 

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Transfer Options

Although this curriculum is not primarily designed for transfer, students may work with their advisor to design a program of study populated by courses that transfer to programs offered by 4-year institutions. Recent graduates have transferred to the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Hampshire College, SUNY ESF, Unity College, Binghamton University, and other 4-year colleges.

 

 

Featured Faculty

  • Todd McLane

    Director, TC3 Farm
    Adjunct Associate Professor, Sustainable Farming and Food Systems

    Todd McLane, the Director of the TC3 Farm, originally hails from Central New Jersey and is a graduate of the University at Albany-SUNY.

Student Showcase