Sociological Field Experience: Liberty Gardens, Coopersburg, Pennsylvania

Each year, students in the Environmental Sociology course examine the environmental consequences of industrial agriculture and the green revolution. We also analyze some of the responses to the problems of industrial agriculture, including organic farming and genetically modified seeds. As part our studies, we spend a day working on a local organic farm, Liberty Gardens. At the farm, students learn from farmer, Jeff Frank, about how the national labeling of "organics" affects small farmers, about techniques that are used increase soil productivity, and about how an organic farmer can successfully market his/her products to local consumers, among other things. Many students return to Liberty Gardens to do internships with Jeff and to work on the farm for pay. Students who have participated in this course have also worked on bringing organic foods to Muhlenberg College's dining hall.

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