INTERNATIONAL SHORT COURSE ON AGROECOLOGY (U.C.BERKELEY)

[isidoro]

	The Center for Biological Control at the University of 
California, Berkeley and the Institute for Food and Development Policy 
(Food First) announces an international short course on Agroecology for 
graduate students, researchers, professors, and other agricultural 
professionals from around the world to be held in Berkeley, California, 
June 16-25, 1997.

Description

	This course will explore the theoretical and practical concepts 
and principles of agroecology and their application to the design of 
sustainable farming systems in industrialized countries and to the 
implementation of appropriate rural development projects in the 
developing world.

Academic Activities

	The course will consist of lectures on specific topics given by 
invited specialists, group discussions on assigned readings, hands-on 
workshops on specific topics, individual and group presentations and 
field trips to various organic/transitional farms and field research 
projects.  Lectures will be complemented with slides and videos, and all 
participants will receive an agroecology reader with the latest articles 
in the field.  Participants will have access to the library for 
consulting literature and accessing electronic information and data base 
systems. 
	Some of the main topics to be covered in the course include:

	 	Advanced concepts and principles of agroecology
	 	Alternative management of agricultural systems and design 
of sustainable agro-		ecosystems
	 	Ecological basis of pest management and biological 
control
	 	Soil management for sustainable production
	 	Methodologies to assess sustainability of farming systems
	 	Ecological economics applied to agricultural development
	 	Conversion of large-scale systems to agroecological 
management
	 	Traditional knowledge and indigenous farming systems
	 	Agroecology and rural development in the Third World
	 	Requirements for s sustainable agriculture

Instructors in Charge

Main course instructors will be Miguel A. Altieri, Ph.D., University of 
California, Berkeley and Peter M. Rosset, Ph.D., Food First, joined by a 
host of instructors and speakers from the University of California and 
other state institutions and organizations.


Eligibility

	Applicants can be professionals and graduate students from 
universities, research centers, government and non-government 
organizations, private institutions, farmers, etc. that are interested in 
agroecology and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.  Enrollment 
will be limited to approximately 35 participants.  The course will be in 
English (although special sessions may be held in Spanish) therefore, a 
working knowledge of English is highly recommended.

Requirements for Admission

	Interested candidates should send an abbreviated curriculum vitae 
and a letter before February 15, 1997 explaining their background, 
current work, and reasons for taking the course to :
			Dr. Miguel A. Altieri
			University of California
			201 Wellman Hall -3112
			Berkeley, CA 94720-3112
			email: agroeco3 at nature.berkeley.edu
			FAX: 510-642-7428

	The participants will be selected by a selection committee and 
notified of acceptance by March 15, 1997.

Certificate

	Upon completion of the full program of the course, participants 
will be granted a Certificate of Attendance.

Fees/Accommodation

	Tuition fees for participants from developed countries are 
US$1,000 and $650 for developing countries.  This amount includes 
administration fees, lecture materials, all academic activities, and 
field trips.
	Accommodations and dining services are separate and cost 
approximately $50/day including double occupancy and three meals per day 
served cafeteria style.  Total cost is anticipated to be around $600 for 
the period arriving June 15th and departing June 26th.  Stay for a period 
before June 15 and beyond the 26th of June is not included.  A few 
scholarships covering up to 50% of accommodation and dining services will 
be available to participants from developing countries that can 
demonstrate special need.

Payment
	Once accepted, participants should pay course fees in advance in 
US dollars payable through a United States bank To: Food First before May 
1, 1997.