Reservations are now being accepted for UC Davis' annual summer course, "Sustainable Agriculture: Principles and Practices."

The course, offered through the UC Davis Student Farm, will be held weekdays June 23 to Aug. 14. Enrollment is limited and qualified applicants are admitted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The course emphasizes the practical aspects of sustainable agriculture through 12 hours of in-field activities each week, as well as lectures, discussions and field trips. Topics will include soil ecology and management, ecological horticulture, post-harvest handling, innovative marketing strategies and methods, and the socio-economic aspects of agricultural sustainability.

Participants also will gain knowledge and experience with tractor and farm equipment operation and maintenance, composting systems, genetic conservation and seed saving.

The course fee will be $623 per person. More information and application materials are available from Mark Van Horn, Student Farm, Pomology Department, University of California, One Shields Ave., Davis, CA 95616, He also can be contacted by phone at (530) 752-7645 or by e-mail at mxvanhorn@ucdavis.edu.