Abstract

Through various collaborations, the use of business perspectives in research and educational programs of the agriculture sector has been encouraged.

Issue

Nearly all aspects of agriculture and food industry practice require an understanding of contemporary business realities and possibilities. In addition, the educational mission of teaching about agribusiness must be undertaken with care to assure relevance with today's rapidly changing and highly competitive environment.

Response

In serving as a business-oriented faculty member in the College of Agriculture and Life Science, I have collaborated with scientists in the Department of Food Science to lend a business perspective to research and graduate committee work. I also served on the National Food and Agribusiness Management Education Commission, which worked through 2004 to address educational imperatives. I have reviewed and advised with respect to Cornell extension publication on business management options.

Impact

Educators and USDA policy makers are now able to reflect on the recent publication of the National Commission as they consider the priorities we identified for the future education of agribusiness leaders. Extension publications, food science, and nutritional research become actionable through the contribution of business perspectives.

Funding Sources

• Private (e.g., commodity groups, foundations, companies)
• Other USDA (e.g., Water Quality, Special Grants, NRI)
• personal

Key Personnel

• N/A