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WorldTAP Congratulates the Participants of the 2009 International Short Courses in Food Processing, Packaging and Value Addition; Environmental Biosafety; Animal Agriculture; Molecular Plant Breeding; Biotechnology; and Biofuels!

An International Short Course in Agroecology, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Sustainable Agriculture

Course Dates: June 13 - 23, 2010
Organized by: the Institute of International Agriculture at Michigan State University in Collaboration with the IPM-CRSP
Brochure (.pdf)
Registration Form (.doc)
Application Deadline
Registration Fee
Course Fee
Contact Information 
Cooperating Departments and Units at Michigan State University:
  • Kellogg Biological Station
  • NSF - Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Project
  • Center for Integrated Plant Systems
  • Department of Entomology
  • Department of Crop and Soil Sciences
  • Department of Horticulture
  • Department of Plant Pathology
  • Department of Agricultural Economics
  • Department of Sociology
Course Rationale
Globally, countries are trying to increase the productivity and profitability of the agricultural sector of their economies, to feed growing populations and increase the quality of life for millions of people. Those goals must be achieved through practices that sustain those gains while protecting the environment and human health, and conserving biodiversity and other natural resources. In this context, ecological approaches to food production are increasingly important as alternatives to conventional, high input approaches.

Agriculture throughout the world is in the early stages of a new biological  revolution. Research has led to rapid advances in biotechnology and to a greater understanding of biological processes. This course is designed to help participants better understand the management of new technologies and biological processes toward the ends of achieving higher productivity and enhancing environmental quality within the context of available inputs of more traditional fertilizers and chemical pesticide technology.

Course Description

Michigan State University (MSU) is recognized as a center of excellence in international agricultural development and training. A multidisciplinary faculty will organize a two-week course focusing on the principles of agroecology, integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable agriculture. The course will provide meaningful exposure to topics related to appropriate technology. The course will also address the social and equity issues in agriculture. Participants will receive background information and publications on these subjects.

Course Components

  • Concepts and Principles of Agroecology, IPM and Sustainable Agriculture.
  • Ecological Opportunities in Agricultural Productivity: Insects, Pathogens, Weeds, Nutrients, Soil, and Water.
  • Agronomic Opportunities in Agricultural Productivity.
    • Agroecosystem design and Systems integration. 
    •  Environmental consequences of various systems.
  • New Horizons in Agriculture. 
    • Biotechnological approaches to agricultural production. 
    • Ecologically based pest and nutrient management. 
    • Social Concepts.
  • Integrated Natural Resource Management, including Soil, Water and Biodiversity Management.
  • Extension Strategies, Adoption/Acceptance of New Technology.
  • Information and Training Resources in Agroecology, IPM and Sustainable Agriculture.
  • Field Visits to Agricultural Research Stations and Innovative Farmers Sites.
This course will help participants in structuring research or extension programs around the concepts of agroecology. MSU is a leader in agroecology, IPM, sustainable agriculture and genetic technology research with an unsurpassed resident expertise and experience in systems interactions and biological processes. Multidisciplinary projects at MSU are generating information on what drives biological processes and on managing them for efficient production and resource conservation. MSU faculty, representing diverse disciplines, regularly conduct training programs in local and international settings.

Application deadline: May 15, 2010

Registration Fee: $250 (Non-refundable)

Course Fee: $3,000 (Course fee includes the instruction fee, information packages, local travel, meals and lodging expenses. Course fee is non-refundable after May 31, 2010).

For more information contact:

Dr. K. M. Maredia
Institute of International Agriculture
416 Plant and Soil Sciences Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824, U.S.A.
Phone: (517) 353-5262
Fax: (517) 432-1982
Email:kmaredia@msu.edu

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal opportunity institution.