Well, everyone seems to be starting to see green.

The University of Florida, Colorado State University and Washington State University have all announced that they will launch science-based organic agriculture undergraduate degree programs this Fall. Organic agriculture is an alternative approach to conventional food production where the goal is to use no or little synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

The new degree programs indicate the growing importance of the organic food industry. Last year, the sector reached $13.8 billion in U.S. consumer sales and it is expected to rise by about 20% annually. Dan Cantliffe, chairman of the University of Florida Horticultural Sciences Department said organic agriculture program is long overdue. “There’s a big industry, a big demand and a lack of people who are qualified to do the work employers need.”