FDSC 1200

Farm to Label

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2024-2025. Courses of Study 2024-2025 is scheduled to publish mid-June.

Farm to Label will focus on contemporaneous topics in agriculture and food science covering an eclectic array of areas including the history, technology and products that are part of the food supply. Farm to Label is a dynamic course designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the sustainable agricultural practices and food production processes that underpin the modern food industry. This course delves into critical topics such as agricultural systems, environmental sustainability, food safety, quality control, and marketing strategies. Weekly topics will include: (1) Evolution of things like fire, cooking and meat-eating (2) Historical pathways will be covered on products such as salt, spices and spam (3) Technological advances such as pasteurization, high pressure processing and consumer level technology.

When Offered Fall.

• After this course students should be able to examine the historical evolution of key food ingredients, processing techniques, and product innovations, highlighting their cultural, geographic, and chronological significance.
• After this course students should be able to identify and analyze the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped the development of specific food products, from their origins to contemporary production.
• After this course students should be able to articulate research and findings in both written and oral formats, effectively conveying historical insights and their relevance to the modern farm-to-label industry.
• After this course students should be able to analyze the key principles of sustainable agriculture and their application to the farm-to-label supply chain, including organic farming practices, biodiversity preservation, and soil health management.
• After this course students should be able to assess the environmental impacts associated with various stages of food production, from cultivation and harvesting to processing, packaging, and distribution.
• After this course students should be able to analyze complex problems in the farm-to-label supply chain, identifying key issues related to sustainability, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
• After this course students should be able to evaluate data, research, and information relevant to the farm-to-label industry, critically assessing sources and their credibility.
• After this course students should be able to demonstrate the ability to think creatively and propose innovative solutions for improving the efficiency, sustainability, and quality of farm-to-label processes.

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