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The University of Florida Food and Resource Economics Department proposes to help meet the National Need for additional scientists trained at the B.S. level in the area of Agricultural Marketing and Management and International Agriculture. We will do this by leveraging a strong bachelors level program in Food and Resource Economics, with supplemental experiences including a summer experiential learning opportunity (using the SEL). We will recruit six scholars from the community college system in the State of Florida and train them using our two-year, upper division program. Food production and agribusiness is a basic and important part of the United States and the Worlds economic system. Commodity processing, food manufacturing, and food distribution industries have grown in an attempt to meet consumer demands for quality, variety, and convenience. Recent efforts have been made to lower tariffs and other barriers to trade in the agricultural sector. This creates an opportunity for United States producers for the sale of their products in an increasingly global society. The study of the impact of trade policies on the welfare of consumers and producers around the world remains important. Combined with new consumer demands for and awareness of food safety issues, traceability, accountability, and production procedures (i.e. genetically modified foods, organic foods), the areas agricultural marketing and management and international agriculture are of critical importance. This project will add to this workforce and add to the diversity of the workforce, which has been documented to be an area lacking in diversity. The student experiential learning (SEL) component will be used as it has been shown that increasing critical thinking and experiential learning opportunities are an important part of a students training. Communication and international experiences are among the top factors agribusinesses look for in new hires. Scholars recruited in this proposal will have the opportunity to select either a study abroad program, or a research internship, during their summer study. This will allow us to tailor the program to their area of interest, as well as give each student a valuable experience. For those studying international agriculture, a study abroad will broaden their perspective and understanding of the issues. Others may want to try a research internship that will help them decide if graduate school is the best path upon graduation. The FRE program at UF is poised to take these six scholars and train them for the future. However, the proposal will not stop with the six recruited scholars. The scholars will help spread the word about the exciting opportunities in agriculture and help us recruit future diverse students. Additionally, we have plans to hold meetings discussing their experiences with other Universities to examine how the agricultural education system can better help students from a multicultural background be successful.
<p>NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY:<br/>The University of Florida Food and Resource Economics Department proposes will recruit six scholars from the community college system in the State of Florida and train them using our two-year, upper division program in the area of Agricultural Marketing and Management and International Agriculture. We will do this by leveraging a strong bachelor's level program in FRE, with supplemental experiences including a summer experiential learning opportunity.<p>
APPROACH:<br/>The FRE Department has a strong B.S. program combined with a large number of courses available in the marketing, management, finance, and international trade and policy areas. Coursework consists of not only lectures, but many interactive experiences. Some examples include: a simulation used to teach management concepts in an introductory level course, a trading simulation on the futures and options markets, case studies, oral presentations and competition preparation teams. The B.S. program at the University of Florida will provide students with core competencies in the area of economic theory, quantitative skills, leadership skills, communication skills, management skills, analytical skills, and critical thinking. They will be able to specialize in either international food and resource economics or food and agribusiness marketing and management, giving
them specialized training in the areas that are of importance to agriculture in the United States, and areas that are in need of a diverse pool of future leaders. Given the focus areas of international agriculture and agricultural marketing and management, adding an international study abroad component to the B.S. program will add great value to the training of the students. The FRE Department has a number of contacts and previously established relationships with Universities abroad. Though the actual location of study would depend on the topic selected by the student and their advisors, the FRE Department has an established record of sending FRE students abroad for study. The success of the Multicultural Scholars program depends upon the effective recruitment and management of superior scholars. Therefore, the Food and Resource Economics Department at the University of Florida has
assembled a plan for the recruitment of top candidates. Evaluation of candidates will be on the basis of their previous academic achievements, work experiences, interest in agricultural marketing and management or international agriculture, and professional recommendations. The recruitment plan consists of three important steps: initial recruitment, applicant screening, and scholar awards. The Principal Advisors will take responsibility for the academic advising of the Scholars. A meeting will be held weekly for the scholars and the advisors to meet and discuss progress, concerns, opportunities, and other issues associated with adjusting to life at UF. These meetings will be critical in shaping the program for the scholars and will ensure satisfactory progress is being made and early intervention into any unforeseen problems will occur. Evaluation: The central measure of success for this
project will be the successful graduation of six B.S. Scholars who have obtained employment in the field of agricultural management, marketing, or international policy or have decided to continue their studies and obtain a graduate degree.</p><p>
PROGRESS:<br/>2008/01 TO 2013/01<br/>OUTPUTS: Six scholars completed their B.S. degrees in Food and Resource Economics at the University of Florida. Four participated in a study abroad tours in Europe or Asia as part of their training. Five participated in beneficiaries meetings in Washington DC, accompanied by policy tours of the area. For dissemination, scholars met with current and future students to share their experiences (both at our university and the beneficiaries meeting). PARTICIPANTS: Six undergraduate students were supported through this program. The project directors, Dr. Lisa House and Mr. David Barber, worked directly with these students. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
<br/>PROGRESS: <br/>2009/01/15 TO 2010/01/14 <br/>All six scholars are now enrolled in the B.S. in Food and Resource Economics program at the University of Florida. The scholars have been very successful, participating in a number of activities in 2009. Five of the six scholars attended the beneficiaries meeting in Washington, DC. This trip was combined with a tour of the Treasury, Senate, and other landmarks important to students majoring in economics and policy. All four scholars successfully completed their first two semesters (four have completed three semesters), with high grades, and involvement in departmental activities. One scholar was selected to participate in the USDA Ag Outlook forum as a result of an essay she wrote to participate. With the SEL, two scholars participated in a study abroad in Paris, France, and one participated in a month-long program in East Asia.
Three others are expected to participate in study abroad or internships this coming summer. PRODUCTS: Support for six undergraduate students in Food and Resource Economics was provided in 2009. OUTCOMES: None yet. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: The UF scholars have participated in activities such as the beneficiaries meeting to discuss the scholars program, as well as their experiences at UF. FUTURE INITIATIVES: The recruiting process has already helped the Food and Resource Economics Department to identify additional places and contacts that can be used to recruit diverse students, even beyond the life of the scholarships.<br/>
PROGRESS: <br/>2008/01/15 TO 2009/01/14 <br/>We have completed recruitment for the multicultural scholars. The results were very successful, with four scholars recruited that started their program in the Fall semester of 2008. They represent a very diverse background, with three females and one male, as well as their ethnic backgrounds. One student is Hispanic, one is American Indian, one is Asian, and the fourth is a Carribean Islander. Recruiting for 2 new scholars that will start in the Spring 2009 semester is nearly complete, with the plan to add two new female, Hispanic recruits. All four scholars successfully completed their first semester, with high grades, and involvement in departmental activities. For spring semester, the existing scholars will mentor the new scholars, as well as plan their experiential learning activities. PRODUCTS: Support for four undergraduate
students in Food and Resource Economics was provided in the Fall 2008 semester. OUTCOMES: None yet. DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES: None yet. FUTURE INITIATIVES: The recruiting process has already helped the Food and Resource Economics Department to identify additional places and contacts that can be used to recruit diverse students, even beyond the life of the scholarships.</p>