Discussion: Land-Grant College Programs in International Agricultural Development and Training

Abstract

It is a pleasure to speak before this group of professionals dedicated to activities in the vitally important economic area embracing rural development throughout the world. My invitational letter indicated that it would not be necessary to restrict my comments to the papers previously presented. I am especially appreciative of this latitude since, as many of you know, I am not an economist by training, having been trained as an animal nutritionist with a background involving administrative work, as well as serving as chairman of the Council on International Agriculture at the University of Minnesota. Consequently, my remarks regarding the papers by Dorner and Thiesenhusen and Hill will be restricted accordingly. The development of the rural sector in the various countries of the world is a tremendous challenge and offers great responsibilities. The agricultural economist has a heavy burden of responsibility and opportunity in this development. Many agricultural economists have made great contributions toward the appraisal and setting of guidelines for agricultural programs throughout the world. I am well aware of the extensive background and training that are so vital to the development of capabilities for contributions in the area of international agriculture. It is well recognized that an agricultural economist must be first an economist and, secondly, acquire the special training and experience vital to serve agriculture and related activities. It is my personal conviction that great improvements have been made recently in the training of our young people to be agricultural economists. Further, the important role you have been exercising in world leadership in agriculture is going to be an even greater influence on rural development. Problems facing you vary from the most basic issue on a small farm enterprise to worldwide problems of agricultural production and distribution between nations. Truly, the range of opportunities is broad indeed, and those of you represented by the American Farm Economic Association will continue to contribute, not only by direct professional participation but also in the education and training of economists and others with related interests.