Food security is one of the most urgent challenges facing our generation, especially as climate change and population growth put mounting pressure on our food systems. That makes learning about sustainable agriculture more important than ever! While the 1y4e site can serve as a great introduction to these challenges and their potential solutions, some individuals may feel inspired to take their learning to the next level.

Luckily, there are plenty of online courses designed to empower you to understand these challenges, promote innovative solutions, and even grow your own food. Here are some of our favorites:

• Ron Finley Teaches Gardening (MasterClass; paid): In this inspiring MasterClass course, community activist and self-taught gardener Ron Finley shows how anyone can get started growing their own food, regardless of the size of your space. The course includes practical guides to growing specific crops, propagation, and creating planters out of upcycled materials. While a MasterClass membership is required to access the course, it’s a great source of inspiration and information for beginner gardeners, urban gardeners, and anyone interested in community organizing. Learn more and enroll here.
• Oregon State University’s Introduction to Permaculture Course (Oregon State University; free): If you’re curious about permaculture, this free online course from Oregon State University is a great starting point. Taught by permaculture expert Andrew Millison, this self-guided online course covers the basics of permaculture design, including water management, soil health, and community-building. The course is perfect for those looking to learn more about permaculture before committing to a Permaculture Design Certificate course. Learn more and enroll here.
• SDG Academy’s Feeding a Hungry Planet: Agriculture, Nutrition and Sustainability (Coursera; free to audit, optional paid certificate): This graduate-level online course explores the question: “How do we create a healthy and sustainable diet for the growing world population?” To answer this question, the course explores recent technological innovations, current regulations, and the big-picture intersections between agriculture, economics, and international development. This course is ideal for professionals in agriculture, nutrition, international development, and other related fields. Learn more and enroll here.
• Wageningen University & Research’s Food Security and Sustainability Certificate and Crop Production and Soil Management Certificate (Coursera; free to audit, optional paid certificate): For a deep dive into sustainable agriculture, Wageningen University & Research offers two edX certificate programs: one focusing on food security and food production systems (enroll here), and the other on the specifics of food crop production and soil management (enroll here). The Food Security and Sustainability Certificate is a great starting point for those interested in global food security, while the Crop Production and Soil Management Certificate is a great next step for those wanting to delve deeper into the role of soil in crop production, current challenges to our soil, and innovative ideas for soil protection.