The pandemic of 2020 has highlighted the connectedness, complexity, and crucial importance of the global agribusiness industry. Business leaders have been forced to question long-held assumptions and test new ways of operating. New stresses on supply chains have exposed vulnerabilities while spurring remarkable ingenuity. These and many other forces have put pressure on traditional business models and created new opportunities for companies to innovate, adapt, and scale their operations.

The Harvard Business School (HBS) Agribusiness Seminar was created more than 60 years ago to bring together food-industry leaders from around the globe to discuss the changing agribusiness landscape—and to shape its future. This annual event provides a unique opportunity to join an elite group of global executives in discovering new ways to drive competitive advantage and sustainable growth. In this time of uncertainty and change, the importance of the live online Agribusiness Seminar has never been clearer.

You may also be interested in the related in-person program: Agribusiness Seminar.

Summary

You may also be interested in the related in-person program: Agribusiness Seminar.

Key Benefits

Whatever role your company plays in the agribusiness value chain, this virtual program will help you stay current with shifts in industry dynamics. With a more nuanced understanding of the key issues facing agribusiness today, you will be better able to create a strong future for your business, customers, employees, and the communities you affect.

DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Design forward-looking strategies and business models Design forward-looking strategies and business models

Evaluate business opportunities in a global context and identify routes for growth
Anticipate changes in industry structure that could affect how you do business
Draw on successful models from across the industry as you develop or acquire new business lines, technologies, and expertise
Maximize potential and reduce risk as you expand into new regions and address the challenges of international production, marketing, and trade

Drive innovation to address an evolving customer base, competitive challenges, and emerging opportunities Drive innovation to address an evolving customer base, competitive challenges, and emerging opportunities

Understand how innovation and technology are changing the ways businesses and customers relate to one another
Build a flexible organization that responds to change with agility and resilience
Adopt innovative practices from within and outside your sector to improve your market position
Create strong alliances that will drive growth and profit for your business

Expand your personal and professional network Expand your personal and professional network

Extend your network by connecting and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, agribusiness sectors, and countries around the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

Key Benefits

Details

Design forward-looking strategies and business models

Evaluate business opportunities in a global context and identify routes for growth
Anticipate changes in industry structure that could affect how you do business
Draw on successful models from across the industry as you develop or acquire new business lines, technologies, and expertise
Maximize potential and reduce risk as you expand into new regions and address the challenges of international production, marketing, and trade

Drive innovation to address an evolving customer base, competitive challenges, and emerging opportunities

Understand how innovation and technology are changing the ways businesses and customers relate to one another
Build a flexible organization that responds to change with agility and resilience
Adopt innovative practices from within and outside your sector to improve your market position
Create strong alliances that will drive growth and profit for your business

Expand your personal and professional network

Extend your network by connecting and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, agribusiness sectors, and countries around the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

Who Should Attend

Senior decision-makers from organizations across the food system—from production agriculture to processing, food service, consumer products, technology, and the public and not-for-profit sectors
Typical applicants are executives with substantial operating responsibility and experience, including chief executives or owners, presidents, managing directors, business unit heads, and others who participate in driving their firm's strategy

Program for Leadership Development participants earn 3 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

Who Should Attend

Senior decision-makers from organizations across the food system—from production agriculture to processing, food service, consumer products, technology, and the public and not-for-profit sectors
Typical applicants are executives with substantial operating responsibility and experience, including chief executives or owners, presidents, managing directors, business unit heads, and others who participate in driving their firm's strategy

Program for Leadership Development participants earn 3 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

Leaders in Virtual Learning

This program features sessions in the HBS Live Online Classroom.

Just as HBS pioneered the case study method, we also built the first live online classroom in 2014 and have been refining and optimizing our virtual program experience ever since. In a world that is now centered around virtual connection, our programs reflect the input and experience of tens of thousands of participants.

When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live, synchronous program sessions you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to a global group of peers and build your network.

Dive Deeper into the Experience

head and shoulder images of people in polygon shapes connected to a laptop with the HBS shield in the center

Virtual Programs for Agile Organizations

Help your organization understand why there is no better time to prioritize learning & development.

Learn More

Bharat N. Anand teaching in athe HBS Online classroom

Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs

Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.

Read Their Stories

The Harvard Business School Live Online Classroom

This program brings the case method to life virtually in our real-time, interactive online classr...

Learn More

Leaders in Virtual Learning

This program features sessions in the HBS Live Online Classroom.

Dive Deeper into the Experience

Virtual Programs for Agile Organizations

Help your organization understand why there is no better time to prioritize learning & development.

Learn More

Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs

Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.

Read Their Stories

The Harvard Business School Live Online Classroom

This program brings the case method to life virtually in our real-time, interactive online classr...

Learn More

Admissions Criteria and Process

We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.

Answering Your Questions

Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

Application Submission

We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

Application Review

To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

The program fee covers tuition, e-books, and online case materials. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 14 days before the program start date to receive a full refund. Cancellations received 7 to 14 days before the program start date are subject to a payment of 50 percent of the program fee. Requests received within 7 days of the program start date are subject to full payment of the program fee.

Admissions Criteria and Process

Answering Your Questions

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

What You Will Learn

Through faculty-led conversations, case studies, group discussions, and guest speakers, you will explore agribusiness trends and best practices covering an array of organizational, strategic, competitive, economic, and societal issues. You and your peers will grapple with business challenges together, forge new connections, and come away energized with ideas to make your business more resilient, build winning strategies, and find the opportunities that arise in times of change.

As in every year, the program will feature an all-new set of case studies reflecting the latest industry best practices. Some will pertain to the consequences of the pandemic. But as industry leaders are well aware, the pandemic is just one of many forces shaping the future of food and farming. Our case lineup for our virtual 2021 program reflects this complexity, with topics ranging from fast food franchising to grocery ecommerce, plant-based proteins to African Swine Fever, water scarcity to geopolitics, mega-mergers to entrepreneurial powerhouses, and more.

What You Will Learn

Learning Approach

The curriculum is based on the world-renowned HBS case method—a highly interactive approach that engages participants in a dynamic exchange of ideas as they identify and test possible actions. The unique opportunity to hear from top executives of the companies featured in the cases further enriches the sessions.

Learning Approach: The curriculum is based on the world-renowned HBS case method—a highly interactive approach that engages participants in a dynamic exchange of ideas as they identify and test possible actions. The unique opportunity to hear from top executives of the companies featured in the cases further enriches the sessions.

Program Format

Pre-program Preparation: A two-hour orientation and initial group meeting, plus 2–3 hours for preparing each case ahead of the program.

In-Program Schedule: This is an immersive five-day program consisting of live, synchronous sessions. Class time and small-group discussions will occupy the time between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM ET each day (including breaks). Optional afternoon and evening sessions include guest lectures, virtual social gatherings, and discussions with faculty. You will also have ample opportunity for interaction with faculty and peers inside and outside the class sessions.

Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit for everyone, you are expected to attend every non-optional session, complete all assignments, and contribute in the class and in small groups.

Program Format

Pre-program Preparation: A two-hour orientation and initial group meeting, plus 2–3 hours for preparing each case ahead of the program.

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Creating more resilient, sustainable supply chains Creating more resilient, sustainable supply chains

What will be the short and long-term impact of the global pandemic on the food system, including supply chains, industry structure, competitive dynamics, consumer behavior, workforce management, and government policy?
How are traditional supply chains being disrupted by emerging business models, new technologies, environmental pressures, volatile political climates, and demand for transparency and sustainable sourcing?
How can businesses help organize and improve value chains in markets with significant structural weaknesses?
What kinds of organizational structures and partnerships will be most successful?

Addressing the needs and demands of consumers around the world Addressing the needs and demands of consumers around the world

How can firms design effective strategies for market challenges, such as food safety and the demand for healthy, sustainable, and convenient choices?
How can firms develop a coherent and effective strategy for serving consumers with increasingly diverse expectations, preferences, and definitions of value?
How can consumer demand for protein be met efficiently and sustainably?
How can the industry and governments work together to promote food security and encourage agriculture-driven economic development?

Harnessing innovation Harnessing innovation

How can technology be leveraged to improve the environmental impact of the food system, including agricultural water use and consumer products?
How is digital technology changing food retail, and how is the pandemic affecting these changes?
How can barriers to the adoption and effective implementation of innovations be overcome?
How are leading companies increasing their capacity to innovate and bring new products to market?

Navigating a volatile landscape Navigating a volatile landscape

How can companies maintain momentum in the face of pandemic-related impacts, climate change, regulatory and policy uncertainty, labor shortages, and volatile commodity markets?
What are the key steps to anticipating change, managing risk, and responding effectively?
How will government policies around trade, immigration, and travel, as well as diplomatic friction, impact companies, workers, and consumers?
What other kinds of volatility will force companies to adapt their strategies and operations in the years to come?

Supporting farms of the future Supporting farms of the future

What is the future of farming in developing and mature markets?
How can agribusiness firms drive the modernization of traditional agriculture markets effectively, sustainably, and responsibly?
Who will constitute the next generation of farm owners and farm workers?
How will technological advances evolve the practice of farming and bring important efficiencies?

Key Topics

Creating more resilient, sustainable supply chains

What will be the short and long-term impact of the global pandemic on the food system, including supply chains, industry structure, competitive dynamics, consumer behavior, workforce management, and government policy?
How are traditional supply chains being disrupted by emerging business models, new technologies, environmental pressures, volatile political climates, and demand for transparency and sustainable sourcing?
How can businesses help organize and improve value chains in markets with significant structural weaknesses?
What kinds of organizational structures and partnerships will be most successful?

Addressing the needs and demands of consumers around the world

How can firms design effective strategies for market challenges, such as food safety and the demand for healthy, sustainable, and convenient choices?
How can firms develop a coherent and effective strategy for serving consumers with increasingly diverse expectations, preferences, and definitions of value?
How can consumer demand for protein be met efficiently and sustainably?
How can the industry and governments work together to promote food security and encourage agriculture-driven economic development?

Harnessing innovation

How can technology be leveraged to improve the environmental impact of the food system, including agricultural water use and consumer products?
How is digital technology changing food retail, and how is the pandemic affecting these changes?
How can barriers to the adoption and effective implementation of innovations be overcome?
How are leading companies increasing their capacity to innovate and bring new products to market?

Navigating a volatile landscape

How can companies maintain momentum in the face of pandemic-related impacts, climate change, regulatory and policy uncertainty, labor shortages, and volatile commodity markets?
What are the key steps to anticipating change, managing risk, and responding effectively?
How will government policies around trade, immigration, and travel, as well as diplomatic friction, impact companies, workers, and consumers?
What other kinds of volatility will force companies to adapt their strategies and operations in the years to come?

Supporting farms of the future

What is the future of farming in developing and mature markets?
How can agribusiness firms drive the modernization of traditional agriculture markets effectively, sustainably, and responsibly?
Who will constitute the next generation of farm owners and farm workers?
How will technological advances evolve the practice of farming and bring important efficiencies?

The HBS Advantage

Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Chair

David E. Bell

Baker Foundation Professor, George M. Moffett Professor of Agriculture and Business, Emeritus

HBS Unit:

Marketing

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Faculty

José B. Alvarez

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Marketing

Read Full Bio

Stuart C. Gilson

Steven R. Fenster Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Finance

Read Full Bio

Janice H. Hammond

Jesse Philips Professor of Manufacturing

HBS Unit:

Technology and Operations Management

Read Full Bio

Forest L. Reinhardt

John D. Black Professor

HBS Unit:

Business, Government and the International Economy

Read Full Bio

The HBS Advantage: Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Chair

David E. Bell

Baker Foundation Professor, George M. Moffett Professor of Agriculture and Business, Emeritus

HBS Unit:

Marketing

Read Full Bio

Faculty

José B. Alvarez

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Marketing

Read Full Bio

Stuart C. Gilson

Steven R. Fenster Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Finance

Read Full Bio

Janice H. Hammond

Jesse Philips Professor of Manufacturing

HBS Unit:

Technology and Operations Management

Read Full Bio

Forest L. Reinhardt

John D. Black Professor

HBS Unit:

Business, Government and the International Economy

Read Full Bio