UI students learning organic farming

MOSCOW, Idaho – Students at the University of Idaho now have another option to the typical noodle-and-cereal college diet.

A club called Soil Stewards is teaching students organic farming. The produce that they grow each summer is sold at a stand on campus as well as to Sodexho, the company that manages campus dining services.

The club has been active for three growing seasons. Besides farming, club members also sell shares in a community-supported agriculture program. Residents can buy shares for $150 at the start of the season, and then pick up produce from the organic farm for 10 weeks each summer.

Students do more than just till, pick and sell produce, said Jodi Johnson-Maynard, professor of soil science. They also work alongside soil scientists to research how mustard meal can help improve soil for organic farming.