Fresh Vegetables and Classes in Farming

Westchester Community College and Hilltop Hanover Farm have recently collaborated to provide a certificate in sustainable vegetable production.  The program focuses on environmentally sound, community-based small-farm practices.  The classes provided include plant disease management, sustainable crop production, basic farm maintenance, greenhouse design and plant propagation, agricultural business and marketing, and soil science.  These courses would be beneficial to any individual who has interest in growing plants for their own consumption or as a business venture.  Farmers markets have become very popular and give a potential market for people to sell the goods they produce.

The certificate requires forty five hours of core courses, eighteen hours of elective courses, and sixteen hours of community service.  The community service and the classes are held at Hilltop Hanover Farm in Yorktown Heights, New York.  The farm and its bucolic setting are open to the public daily.  They offer children's programs, cooking classes, hiking trails, and volunteer opportunities.

Hilltop Hanover Farm was purchased by Weschester County in 2003 for agricultural preservation, drinking water protection, and the promotion of environmental stewardship.  The farm in total is 187 acres and is managed by cooperative agreement by the Friends of Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center.  They offer a U-Pick program as well as a farm stand that is open to the the public every Friday and Saturday from 10Am to 4PM.  They also donate the produce to local food pantries and home bound seniors for free.  In 2010 they donated 4 tons of produce to these great programs.

Visit the farm to purchase your fresh produce, go for a hike, or to observe a working agricultural farm.  Check out their website to find out more information or if your interested in the certification program you can register online through Westchester Community College.

Hilltop Hanover Farm      www.hilltophanoverfarm.org

Register Online       www.sunywcc.edu/ce