Transcript Presentation by Sean Gaule

Presentation
by
Sean Gaule
President of CEDIA
Overview
Two Parts to Presentation:
1.
CEDIA- Background and current developments.
2.
The future for agronomists - Education and Training
requirements.
CEDIA
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European Confederation of Agronomist Associations
(Confederation Europeenne des Associations D’Ingenieurs
Agronomes)
Founded in 1987 in Brussels as European committee of
Agronomists
In Copenhagen in 1996 renamed to Cedia
A non profit making Association
Has a written constitution and statutes
Registered in Belgium
Objectives
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To support the professional interests of its members.
To promote cooperation among member associations.
To promote European integration.
To promote professional recognition and mobility.
To represent member Associations at EU and International
Fora.
To promote the study and development of agriculture and
related sciences.
To promote sustainable food security.
Membership
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Associations from eleven
countries
Cyprus
Denmark (Nordic
countries)
France
Germany
Greece
Ireland/ N.Ireland
Italy
Portugal
Spain
Switzerland
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Individual members
represented: 100,000
approx
Funding of Cedia Fees –
related to Member
Association numbers
Board : Representatives of
member associations
Activities
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Meetings and seminars
Representational e.g. Agricultural Policy Issues
Career /Job Services/ mobility of members
Website (www.cedia.eu)
Newsletter
CPD – continuous professional development
Revision of Association Strategy and Business plan
Membership enlargement (Central and Eastern European
Countries )
The future for Agronomists
A time of profound change in Agriculture
Issues such as:
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International food supplies
World Population growth
Climate change
Water Resources - supplies and management
Energy - alternative sustainable fuels
Food v Fuel
World trade issues
CAP Policy
Rural Development
Policy Responses
European Community and National
Policies have recognised:
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The importance of Agriculture and natural resources in
providing solutions to the above key issues.
The need for the development of sustainable knowledge
based economies in underpinning future prosperity in an
increasing competitive global economy.
Universities as key drivers in the knowledge economy.
World class educational standards require adequate
funding and appropriate performance evaluation systems.
Cedia are conscious of the funding difficulties which
universities are facing in some countries.
Challenges and Opportunities for
the Agronomist
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Extended and improved application of science and
education to the Agriculture and Food Sectors
Need to address issues, which are both multi and intra
disciplinary
The exploitation of Natural bioscience technologies re
food, feed, fibre and fuel
Improved Productivity – Crop and Animal Production
Improved soil and water management
Improved human nutrition and food safety
Linkage of basic research findings to practical applications
Requirement: Scientific and Professional Leadership
The Professional Agronomist Training and Educational needs
Careers are wide and varied –
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Servicing Agriculture in Public and Private sectors (50:50
approx)
Policy, Research, Education, Advisory, Management,
Consultancy etc
Knowledge and skill requirements are diverse and
specific.
Cedia supports the Bologna process
Cedia compliments the Universities for their capacity to
adapt to change, and for their excellence in maintaining,
and advancing the training and knowledge of agronomy
graduates in ensuring that the demands placed on the
profession can continue to be met.
Excellent employment opportunities for graduates
General Comments
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Education and training provided is keeping abreast with
professional requirements – Continued focus on syllabus
and deliverence/teaching methods essential.
The continued need for a good general practioner as well
as the need for specialists - maintaining the broad overview
while understanding the concepts of specialisation. (e.g.
medicine - general practioner and specialist consultant)
Recognition and mobility of university qualifications not
generally an issue – Language capability seems a bigger
problem ( ref member association websites)
Career development – professional skills and scientific
knowledge needed but also a requirement for competences
in leadership/innovation, communication, decision making,
personal effectiveness,IT, and other management skills.
General Comments Ctd.
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CPD: A necessity for all professionals – cooperation at
European level. ?
Improved opportunities for study abroad during under
graduate and post graduate training should be further
promoted and facilitated.
The gaining of international experience during and
immediately post qualification in the agri food sectors
should also be encouraged and facilitated.
Success in the global economy requires international
knowledge and inter-cultural communication skills.
Cedia through its member associations and individual
members would be pleased to cooperate with your
association in any of these or other initiatives.