Undergraduate agribusiness programs: Focus or falter?

Agribusiness has become an important part of undergraduate agricultural economics programs. Will these programs continue to serve the needs of both industry and students in the future? To survive and thrive, agribusiness programs must pursue an aggressive niche strategy. Programs must be more than collections of courses, they must be coordinated, integrated experiences that foster critical thinking and communications skills, develop industry-specific knowledge, and cultivate diversity of thought. The agricultural economics heritage of most programs can be used as a point of difference. Programs must pursue partnerships with industry and other academic programs. Faculty development must be a priority.