26 Mar 2009

Harvard Business School’s Agribusiness Program Coming To India

Growth opportunities still exist for agribusiness companies<br /> with a vision for the future
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BOSTON— March 26, 2009 - Harvard Business School (HBS) today announced plans to offer its industry-leading Agribusiness Seminar: An Asian Offering executive education program in India. The program, which will be held in Mumbai in May 2009, will bring together a diverse set of agribusiness executives from across the globe.

Agribusiness Seminar will present case studies that engage participants in discussion on some of the most pressing topics in the industry including the outlook for global supply and demand, food safety, as well as agribusiness technology and innovation. Using the HBS case-method, participants will discuss the future of the agribusiness industry at a time when the global economic climate and access to capital has had an affect on the sector.

"The economic downturn has changed the landscape for the industry in the short term, but many opportunities still exist for companies that are thinking strategically and proactively," said Mary Shelman, Director of the Agribusiness Program. "You don't have to sit still."

"The program will help participants consider the long-term future of the industry and how to position their organization to be ready when market conditions improve," said Shelman.

The program will present cases on some of the most-recognized names in agribusiness including Monsanto, Olam International, Nestlé, COFCO Tunhe, and Hariyali Kisaan Bazaar. Executives from across the industry - from large companies to producers, suppliers and processors - have benefitted from the Agribusiness Seminar curriculum over the past 50 years. Participants come from around the world and bring a diverse set of viewpoints that enhance the classroom experience.

"Agribusiness Seminar will offer participants the chance to engage in thought-provoking discussions with their peers and bring new ideas and solutions immediately to their businesses." said Shelman. "In what is clearly a volatile economic climate, we want to help participants share their perspectives and form their own view of agribusiness industry's future."

"We're excited to bring the Agribusiness Seminar to India," remarked Professor David Yoffie, Senior Associate Dean and Chair of Harvard Business School Executive Education programs. "India holds an important and unique position in the global agricultural market place, and is the perfect place to host this year's Agribusiness Seminar."

Agribusiness Seminar: An Asian Offering will run from May 10-13, 2009, and will take place in Mumbai. Please visit http://www.exed.hbs.edu/programs/agbi/ for complete curriculum details and to apply.

For more information, please contact:
Jim Aisner, jaisner@hbs.edu, +1 617-495-6157
Gunjan Bagga, gunjan@corvoshandwick.co.in, 91-11-40501200

Program Information for Agribusiness Seminar: An Asian Offering

Course Curriculum:

HBS Faculty:

  • David E. Bell, George M. Moffett Professor of Agriculture and Business. Senior Associate Dean, Director of Faculty Planning and Recruiting; member of the Marketing Unit; faculty chair of the "Agribusiness Seminar" and of the "Agribusiness Seminar: An Asian Offering."
  • Forest L. Reinhardt, John D. Black Professor of Business Administration. Head of the Business, Government and the International Economy Unit; and faculty chair of the European Research Initiative.
  • Mary L. Shelman, Director, Agribusiness Program

About Harvard Business School

Founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University, Harvard Business School is located on a 40-acre campus in Boston. Its faculty of more than 250 offers full-time programs leading to the MBA and PhD degrees, as well as more than 175 Executive Education programs, and Harvard Business School Online, the School’s digital learning platform. For more than a century, faculty have drawn on their research, their experience in working with organizations worldwide, and their passion for teaching, to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. The School and its curriculum attract the boldest thinkers and the most collaborative learners who will go on to shape the practice of business and entrepreneurship around the globe.