Who's Up for Vermont this Summer?
UVM On-Farm Summer Institute not only attracts savvy UVM students who take advantage of summer savings, accelerated degree programs and Vermont's fabulous summers, it draws new students from across the Northeast to study in a state known for diversified horticulture/agriculture, in one of the top-rated cities in the nation, at the nation's premier small research university – all at an affordable rate with more intimate class sizes.
The On-Farm Institute is based at UVM Horticulture Research Center – affectionately known as the Hort. Farm. The 97-acre farm boasts extraordinary plant collections side-by-side with leading research and active farming pursuits. The Hort. Farm buzzes with several summer activities: UVM's Farmer Training Program is in session, organic apple research and production is ongoing, as are cold-hardy grape growing trials. Vermont Master Gardeners and Friends of the Horticulture Farm regularly host events on site.
On-Farm Summer Institute students and instructors get their hands dirty exploring practical techniques for raising fruits, vegetables, grains, pasture and fuel crops in consort with all of the other communities in the ecosystem – from weeds to microbes. And they explore the thicket of issues surrounding agriculture, food systems, hunger and health.
The courses and fieldwork are rigorous enough to challenge students and meet professional certification standards. (Parents can feel confident their investment is well spent.)