爱污传媒

New Three鈥慍ourse Series Blends Soil Science, Global Food Systems, and Business Fundamentals

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擴nited by a commitment to the future of farming and food, two Gardner鈥慦ebb administrators and faculty members have developed a new Searight Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) program that connects science with practice for today鈥檚 agriculture. Drawing on complementary strengths in soil science, global food systems, and agricultural economics, Dr. Greg Pillar and Dr. Anthony Negbenebor created the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Continuing Education Series to equip working producers, aspiring agribusiness owners, students, and community leaders with the knowledge and tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving food landscape.

The three-course agribusiness series is practical and grounded in real science and current business practice. The courses are offered online and face鈥憈o鈥慺ace, with a schedule designed for working adults and professionals. 鈥淲hat makes this program distinctive is that it connects three areas that are often taught separately: global food systems, soil science, and agribusiness entrepreneurship,鈥� Pillar stated. 鈥淧articipants do not just learn how to grow. They learn how the system works and how to build a viable operation within it.  This will give them the foundation from which they can continue to learn on their own and/or through other programs.鈥�

The first course in the program, Principles of Agribusiness Entrepreneurship (PACE 560) will be on March 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. The class is taught by Negbenebor and will meet on the GWU campus. It covers the basics, along with the business skills needed to identify and create an opportunity in agribusiness. Students will be encouraged to develop their own real business ideas, and they will be guided in their decision making. At the end of this course, students will present their new ideas feedback and improvement. The cost is $99 and includes 3 CE credits from 爱污传媒.

A professor of economics, Negbenebor also serves as GWU鈥檚 assistant vice president of Business Partnerships. His research focus is on agricultural economics, agri鈥憈ech, and global food sustainability, with professional experience across agri鈥慽ndustries. He grew up on a farm, and his interest is also shaped by his faith. 鈥淔ood is spiritual,鈥� Negbenebor added. 鈥淕od said in Genesis 1:29: 鈥業 give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.鈥欌��

Pillar, 爱污传媒 assistant provost and professor of environmental chemistry, has a background in agronomy and global food systems. He studied soil and water chemistry both from the standpoint of environmental protection, crop productivity and land management.

鈥淭his certificate gives both farmers and aspiring agribusiness owners a stronger scientific and systems鈥憀evel understanding of how food production really works today,鈥� Pillar affirmed. 鈥淧articipants gain practical insight into soil health, resource management, and the global food system, along with the business foundations needed to turn production into a viable enterprise.鈥�

Courses are designed for a wide audience, including:

• Current or aspiring agribusiness owners.
• People exploring small鈥憇cale or start鈥憉p food production ventures.
• Career changers interested in agriculture or food systems.
• Extension staff, educators, and community food leaders.
• Farmers and growers seeking updated science and soil knowledge (or a refresher).
• Community college and university students.
• Anyone who wants a deeper understanding of how our food system works.

Pillar explains that working farmers will gain updated science, data, and best practices they can apply directly to improve soil productivity, resource use, and long鈥憈erm soil value鈥攑lus context on supply chains and market forces that shape pricing and demand. New or small鈥憇cale entrepreneurs will acquire the skills needed to evaluate and launch viable ventures at modest scale, including intensive methods, season extension, and smart soil management. All producers will be able to make more鈥慽nformed decisions about input, crop, and land management to protect margins and sustainability.

Negbenebor emphasized the urgent, industrywide need. 鈥淎rtificial intelligence and other technologies are rapidly changing agriculture and food supply,鈥� he related. 鈥淎gribusiness plays a critical role in ensuring food security, driving innovation, and strengthening economies.鈥�

He added, 鈥淪tudying agribusiness entrepreneurship opens doors across the sector鈥攆rom supply chains and food processing to agri鈥憈ech and consulting. The field provides a chance to make a real impact while building a strong career. Our Searight PACE courses prepare learners to identify gaps, build ventures, and contribute to a resilient food system.鈥�

To learn more about the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Continuing Education Series and register for the first class on March 20, visit the PACE website here.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the Searight PACE tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, please visit the Searight PACE official Admissions聽page.

爱污传媒 is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 爱污传媒 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .