NW Michigan Food and Farming Network Report to the Community 2015 Report to the Community

2015 Report to the community MSU, NMC Offer Agriculture Programs The Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT) continues to offer certificate programs for students in northwest Michigan. The IAT certificate programs focus on a number of Michigan’s agricultural and applied technology industries and can be completed over a two-year period. The Applied Plant Science and Viticulture programs that are offered in collaboration between IAT and Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) allow students to complete a certificate from MSU and an Associate of Applied Science Degree with NMC. More than 60 students are currently enrolled in one of IAT’s offcampus programs offered in Traverse City. Program options for students include: • Applied Plant Science—Commercial Horticulture Operations • Applied Plant Science—Landscape Horticulture • Viticulture Coursework for the programs are all taught in Traverse City and include a wide-ranging catalog, including “Applied Entomology of Economic Plants,” “Organic Farming Principles and Practices,” “Grape iat.msu.edu tans ar ill W By Brian Matchett MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology Sp Certificates focus on Michigan agriculture Certificate Programs in Traverse City • Dual enrollment at NMC • Practical hands-on learning • Professional internship opportunities • Earn an Associate’s Degree • Financial aid available Production,” “Viticulture and Berry Crop Production,” and dozens more. Several graduates of the Applied Plant Science and Viticulture programs are currently employed in 18 Interested in IAT certificate programs? Contact Regional Program Coordinator Brian Matchett at matchet4@ msu.edu or (231) 995-1719 businesses throughout the agricultural industry. Some examples include: the assistant winemaker at Brys Estate, the plant health specialist at Chicago Botanic Garden, the vineyard manager at Engleridge Farms, and the superintendent at LochenHeath Golf Course in Williamsburg, Michigan. According to Dr. Randy Showerman, director of the Institute of Agricultural Technology, approximately 90 percent of graduates from one of IAT’s certificate programs go on to work in an industry represented by their program, and the other 10 percent go on to a four-year degree. If you or someone you know would be interested in learning more about the certificate programs available in Traverse City, please contact Regional Program Coordinator Brian Matchett at matchet4@ msu.edu or (231) 995-1719. iat.msu.edu

NW Michigan Food and Farming Network Report to the Community 2015 Report to the Community | Page 23