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Maharishi University of Management Pioneers First Ever Hands-On Complete Farm-to-Fork Program in Regenerative Organic Agriculture

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25 July 2017

Working with nature to reverse climate change — Regenerative organic agriculture aims to mimic nature, not subdue it

MUM, Fairfield, Iowa ∙ (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maharishi University of Management (MUM) has launched the world's first complete program to train the next generation of farmers in an agricultural paradigm that can fully reverse climate change and provide abundant and healthy food for our planet's growing population.

Termed ''regenerative organic agriculture,'' this new program is being headed by Professor A. Thimmaiah, who says that few schools or organizations offer even one course in regenerative organic farming systems, which he distinguishes from common organic farming.

''Most organic agriculture is still a substitution farming wherein most of the inputs are imported, such as seeds, manures, bio-pesticides, and more.''

Regenerative agriculture, on the other hand, is a self-sufficient, closed-loop system in which farmers, on their own farms, produce all the inputs required for farming. This system uses only the naturally available resources within their farms.

The global greenhouse effect, from atmospheric carbon build-up, is reversed through a large variety of regenerative procedures: no till (prevents carbon loss from soil), farm-based fertilizers (eliminates wasteful utilization of fossil fuel in synthetic fertilizer production and transportation), cover crops, crop rotations, compost, and animal manures (which restore the plant/soil health and promote carbon sequestration into the soil, where it performs a life-promoting role).

''This course is of interest to anyone who has a passion to create radical change in the current food and agriculture systems,'' Dr. Thimmaiah said. ''The students can be food activists, farmers, food advocates, home and urban gardeners, or future organic farmers.''

The program is a collaborative effort among five internationally renowned organizations in the field of organic and biodynamic agriculture. Innovating a program with international credibility, MUM has partnered with IFOAM Organics International, Demeter Association, Biodynamic Association, Sarojini Damodaran Foundation and Agribio — all recognized as top sustainable agriculture associations globally.

''The world leaders in this field are helping to teach this course of study,'' Dr. Thimmaiah said. ''It is an unmatched opportunity for students to gain a global understanding and to learn and adopt solutions to the present unsustainable, exploitative farming systems.''

Regenerative Organic Agriculture Students Begin Selling their Produce

Local residents are already benefiting from the program. Vegetables grown by students are sold in the Fairfield Iowa Farmers Market. In late spring students were selling early produce such as arugula, salad mix, and radishes.

In the coming months the community can expect chard, kale, onions, leeks, squash, zucchini, peas, and beans. And later in the season they will be offering multiple varieties of carrots, sweet corn, and melon.

''It's been incredible watching these guys work as teams, and break through into uncharted territories,'' said assistant farm manager Dan Harvey. ''Many of them come from non-agricultural backgrounds and seeing their determination and passion come through is beautifully inspiring. The future is bright.''

Program Head Is an Internationally Recognized Expert

Program head Dr. A. Thimmaiah is an expert in climate-smart agriculture promoting low-carbon green approaches for rural development. Through constant innovation and research, he has developed many low-cost farming solutions using natural resources that are benefiting thousands of farmers in different countries.

Globally he has played a leading role in the development, coordination, and implementation of strategies, programs and policies addressing the issues of food security, climate smart sustainable agriculture, rural poverty reduction, sustainable development, and Gross National Happiness (GNH).

The program is offered in the context of a 4-year college BA degree track, or as a 10 to 11 month fast-track Certificate Program.

For more information, visit the BA College Degree Program in Regenerative Organic Agriculture or the Certificate webpage for the Regenerative Organic Agriculture Program on the Maharishi University of Management website. Or email: sustainableliving@mum.edu

Jim Karpen
Maharishi University of Management
+1 641-472-0778
jkarpen@mum.edu

Copyright © 2017 GlobeNewswire, Inc.

See related articles:
∙ MUM offers Regenerative Organic Agriculture Program
∙ Maharishi University of Management's Dr Thimmaiah is helping Bhutan adopt organic agriculture

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