Day 9: Sante Fe Community College by: Andrew

 

Learning Sustainable Agriculture at Santa Fe Community College

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) is teaching students how to grow plants and algae in smart and sustainable ways. The Trades and Advanced Technology Center offers hands-on classes in greenhouse design, hydroponics (growing plants in water), and aquaponics (raising fish and plants together).

Algae Growing Skills

Students learn how to grow algae, which can be turned into fuel like ethanol, biodiesel, and jet fuel. SFCC teaches everything from setting up algae systems to keeping them running smoothly. This training helps students get jobs in the algae biofuels industry.

Biofuels Center of Excellence

SFCC works with top labs and universities, like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Los Alamos National Lab, to provide the best training. They are also part of the Algae Technology Education Consortium, which helps create programs to turn algae into useful products.

Greenhouse Management

Students can earn a certificate or degree in Controlled Environment Agriculture, learning to manage greenhouses effectively. They study how to control water, light, temperature, and nutrients to grow healthy plants and fish. Courses cover everything from planting to harvesting, including pest control and aquaponics.

Preparing for Greenhouse Jobs

SFCC graduates have the skills to work in greenhouses, whether for small farms or large commercial operations. SFCC is committed to training future experts in sustainable agriculture, helping to create a greener world.

 

 

We learned a lot from Pedro about the different types of aquaponic systems.