Fair Trade Management
Bachelor of Agri Systems Management
Content programme
First and second year
You learn to understand consumer behaviour and how to identify market opportunities. A tropical commodity such as coffee or cocoa is the subject of your study. You thoroughly analyse the current practices of vegetables cultivation in a region of Kenya, and develop a production plan. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the network of an agricultural production system.
At the beginning of year two, you do an international work placement, for example assisting a trading company in China in assessing the training needs of farmers producing organic tea for the European market.
After returning to Wageningen, you take on the role of advisor to a regional avocado chain in Vietnam. What can local growers do to increase their income? During the second part of year two you will produce a horticultural crop and 'bring' it to the local market. You are technically and financially responsible for running your own business project.
Subjects in year one and two are: Market and Sector Theory, Statistics, Research Methods, Cultivation Planning, Product knowledge, Quality Management, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Agricultural History, Innovation Management, Fair Trade Principles and Practices.
Third and fourth year
The focal point of your major is chain empowerment; how you can contribute to the development of sustainable chains for agricultural produce. The emphasis is on the position of smallholder farmers and their organisations. Here you have to integrate knowledge and skills related to land use and farming options, indicators of sustainability and fairness, possibilities of geographical information systems, certification trajectories, either organic and/or fair trade. You are confronted with so-called wicked problems; issues of ethical trade (such as child labour and gender equality) and of competing claims on land (for food, feed and fuel).
During the second semester you will do a work placement, this time acting as a semi-professional in the field and applying the knowledge and skills specific to your discipline - as a communicator, lobbyist, advisor, business planner or business facilitator. For example, analyse the ability of juice and sugar producers in Latin America to comply with the requirements of the fair trade market for a labelling organisation in Europe.
In year four you choose a minor in the first semester to broaden your view or to specialise even further. This can be achieved by following a minor of your choice at Van Hall Larenstein or another university, in the Netherlands or abroad.
The second semester culminates in your graduation project. A company or organisation linked to Fair Trade Development will provide a real problem to you, that needs research and practical solutions.
Subjects in year three and four are: Geographical Information Systems, Organic Agriculture, Fair Trade Certification, Chain Empowerment.