Maintaining our personal health and restoring the health of the planet are closely tied to how we manage agriculture and food systems. The objective of the Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Specialization (SAFS) is to foster active learning about the biological, ecological, sociological, economic and political aspects of food production.
Recognizing that different disciplines approach sustainability in different ways, students from all backgrounds and interests are encouraged to consider SAFS. SAFS provides the opportunity to learn and work across disciplinary boundaries, creating a more complete understanding of pertinent issues while developing skills valuable in any future profession, be it elementary education or international development, farmer or urban planner.
The SAFS program is the culmination of years of conversation between faculty, staff and students that are passionate about sustainable agriculture and food systems. It is funded in part by a Quality Fund Grant, awarded to concepts that "enhance academic quality and demonstrably benefit students at MSU". The concept and design of the SAFS specialization reflects our desire to provide context and enthusiasm that leads to life-long learning about sustainable agriculture and food systems.