The Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems [CIAS] is a small sustainable agriculture research center at the University of Wisconsin`s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. We were created in 1989 to build UW sustainable agriculture research programs that respond to farmer and citizen needs...and involve them in setting research agendas. This means that human relationships are at the core of everything we do.
The goal of the Center`s research program is to learn how particular integrated farming systems can contribute to environmental, economic, social, and intergenerational sustainability. Our research has shown that farmers can cut costs, increase profits, and improve their quality of life while enhancing the environment. Through our research projects, we aim to help farmers capture a larger share of the consumer food dollar. Part of our work is to develop and assess visions of alternative food systems and look at the socioeconomics of the existing food system. Our research program is unique because of our commitment to involve citizens and academics, representing many disciplines and professions, as equal partners on our research teams.
CIAS coordinates two schools for beginning dairy farmers and market growers, organizes training events for agricultural professionals, and plays a lead role in the development of sustainable agriculture curriculum materials for high school students. We serve as the Great Lakes regional lead agency on Farm-to-School efforts, work on regional and local food systems development, help Wisconsin fruit growers to reduce pesticide risk, coordinate research on grazing systems, and provide general outreach to farmers, consumers, organizations and others interested in sustainable agriculture.
CIAS has created an invaluable resource for high school teachers. Toward a Sustainable Agriculture is a free curriculum that addresses the social, environmental and economic impacts of agriculture. The curriculum provides a critical analysis of agricultural and food systems and helps students understand new concepts through hands-on examples. The curruculum includes six modules, designed to be incorporated into existing classes:
Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture
Corn, Beans, and Burgers: Field Crops and Sustainable Agriculture
Fur, Feathers, and Fins: Animals in Sustainable Agriculture
Gifts from the Garden: Sustainable Horticulture [under construction]
The Challenge of Stewardship: Natural Resources Management [under construction]
A Growing Market: Organic Agriculture [under construction]
