The key element of Future of Agriculture, Competitiveness and Market Orientation Course is to allow for an exchange of views with stakeholders in the agriculture chain and for them to provide their visions and expectations for the future of farming as a producer of food and as an important player in rural communities development.

Some of the sub themes that will be discussed are:

 1.  Future of Agriculture

What will be required of tomorrow's farmers by the retail sector, the processing industries and consumers and will they be able to compete?

Presentations:

• What will the retail sector demand of the farmer in the future?"
• Bulk vs. Quality - which way forward?
• Meeting the challenge of market orientation
• Farmer in an increasingly competitive market

2. Role of agriculture as a provider of public goods

This course focuses on the vital role that agriculture plays as a provider of current and future public goods and services for the society and the sustainable development of rural areas.

Presentations:

• Role of agriculture in rural economies
• Provision of public goods from a sustainable agriculture
• Food Quality Schemes- issues related to internal market requirements

3. New opportunities for the farming sector

This course explores innovative ideas, the use of new technology, new uses for agricultural products, alternative crops, energy crops etc.

Presentations:

• Biomass for energy
• Producing biomass and new outlets
• New opportunities for the farming sector - Rural Development and Leader approach