My experience at the University of Idaho was similar, only far worse.
There was general, and occasionally extreme, animosity toward anyone or
anything that was remotely related to "sustainable" agriculture".
Organic farming was considered an "extremist fringe group of hobby
gardeners" by much of the faculty in the college of agriculture. Since my
graduation I've been working with a non-profit to promote sustainable and
organic farms and to move WSU and UI, both land-grant universities, to
adopt a more inclusive attitude. We've had some success but they are so
deep in the pockets of the ag chemical and biotech industry that movement
is minimal.
Although I stuck with it and graduated with a degree in Ag Economics, I've
encouraged other students to go into Environmental Science and stay away
from the college of ag altogether.
I believe our experience is not at all uncommon. Let's hope more people
continue to push these schools until some enlightenment occurs.
P.
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