Our Program
The Organic Agribusiness Course
A comprehensive training program that combines sustainable agriculture with real business skills. Graduate with college credits, industry certifications, and a plan to launch your agricultural career.
Program Overview
What Makes This Course Different
Most agriculture programs teach you how to grow food. AiSA teaches you how to build a business around it.
Our Organic Agribusiness Course is a cohort-based accelerator — not a traditional college semester. You’ll learn side-by-side with a small group of motivated peers, moving through a structured curriculum that covers everything from hydroponic systems to market analysis to business planning.
By the end, you won’t just know how to farm. You’ll know how to price your products, find your market, manage operations, and build something sustainable.
Curriculum
What You'll Study
Module 1: Sustainable Agriculture Foundations
Soil science, organic production methods, pest management, and the principles of sustainable farming.
Module 2: Hydroponic & Controlled Environment Agriculture
Design, build, and manage hydroponic growing systems. Hands-on training in our Escondido greenhouses.
Module 3: Irrigation & Resource Management
Water systems, resource efficiency, and infrastructure planning for modern farm operations.
Module 4: Food Safety & Compliance
ServSafe certification, USDA organic standards, food handling, and regulatory compliance.
Module 5: Agribusiness & Entrepreneurship
Business planning, market analysis, pricing strategy, farm economics, and supply chain management.
Module 6: Career Readiness & Launch
Business plan development, industry networking, career pathway planning, and post-program resources.
Choose Your Format
Three Ways to Learn
🌿 6 Weeks On-Farm
In-Person
Full immersion at our Escondido farm. Classroom instruction plus daily hands-on work in the greenhouses and fields. Best for those who want the full farm experience.
Schedule: Tue & Fri, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM PST
💻 6 Weeks Online
Full-Time
Accelerated virtual training with optional in-person farm labs. The same comprehensive curriculum delivered live online. Best for veterans who can commit full-time but aren’t local to San Diego.
Schedule: Mon & Thu, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST
📱 12 Weeks Online
Part-Time
Designed for working professionals. Evening classes at a manageable pace with optional weekend farm labs. Best for those balancing a job or family while training.
Schedule: Tue, 6:00 – 9:00 PM PST
What You Earn
Credentials That Matter
16 College Credits
Through the University of Minnesota Crookston. Transferable to degree programs nationwide.
- BIOL 3496 — Advanced Applied Techniques in Agricultural Biology (4 cr)
- AGEC 1004 — Agricultural & Food Economics (2 cr)
- AGEC 2530 — Introduction to Agribusiness (3 cr)
- AGEC 3440 — Agribusiness Financial Management (3 cr)
- AGRO 1020 — Principles of Agronomy (3 cr)
- AGEC 4800 — Agribusiness Capstone (1 cr)
Hydroponicist Specialist Certification
Industry-recognized credential in controlled environment agriculture.
ServSafe Food Safety Certification
Required across the food industry. Yours to keep for life.
Business Plan
A completed, investor-ready business plan for your agricultural venture.
Professional Network
Connections to 850+ alumni, industry partners, and agricultural organizations.
Your Next Cohort Is Forming Now
Spots are limited per cohort to ensure personalized instruction. Apply early to secure your place.