The Clemson University Student Organic Farm has been ranked No. 16 out of 100 of the Best College-Run Sustainable Farms by College Values Online.
The initial pool of 100 college farms selected by College Values Online had to demonstrate sustainability, measured in terms of significant student involvement, environmentally friendly methods, diversity of production, connection with college instruction and farm sales targeting both the college and surrounding community.
This is the second national award received this year by the Student Organic Farm. In February, the Student Organic Farm was ranked ninth among the 20 Best College Farms by Best College Reviews.
“The Student Organic Farm bridges the gap between the classroom and hands-on research and education,” said Shawn Jadrnicek, farm manager. “With the support of Clemson University and dedicated students, the farm has developed innovations in season extension, cover cropping and other sustainable practices helping farmers across the country.”
Geoff Zehnder, a professor in the department of agricultural and environmental sciences and coordinator of the Sustainable Agriculture Program, said the Student Organic Farm was established in 2001 and currently occupies approximately 15 acres of the Calhoun Field Laboratory, an area dedicated for agricultural research, teaching and public outreach programs. This location has a rich heritage of agricultural research going back to the days of John C. Calhoun. The Student Organic Farm was certified organic in 2005.
In addition to hosting classes and trainings, the farm produces a wide variety of seasonal vegetables, including heirloom and ethnic varieties, culinary herbs, cut flowers and small fruit.
A popular program of the Student Organic Farm is the Community Supported Agriculture program in which members pay a subscription price, like a magazine subscription, to receive a weekly supply of seasonal fresh vegetables and produce, herbs, cut flowers and fruit.
More information about the farm can be found in the upcoming book “The Bio-Integrated Farm,” to be published in the spring of 2016.