Sustainable Food Systems

Overview

Courses are offered in a range of academic areas related to food systems, including public administration, community health, urban and regional planning, business, and education, allowing students to tailor their course selection to align with their interests and career goals. The Public Administration Department collaborates with the following Units to offer this certificate: College of Urban and Public Affairs, College of Education, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Institute for Sustainable Solutions.

Career

The Sustainable Food Systems program from Portland State University offers students the opportunity to explore the complex issues and relationships between food, people, and society. The program draws on the expertise of faculty from departments across the University, providing an interdisciplinary understanding of the issues, perspectives, strategies, and solutions involved in creating sustainable food systems. It connects a range of academic areas related to food systems, including public administration, community health, urban and regional planning, business, and education.

The certificate program provides students with a foundation of knowledge and practical experience to help them confront the pressing challenges currently facing sustainable food systems. These challenges include environmental degradation, corporate consolidation, and social injustices. Students will learn about new responses to these issues, such as sustainable agriculture, re-development of indigenous food systems, community land trusts, worker co-ops, farm labor organizing movements, and opportunities to shape policy at local, state, and national levels.