... Programs for Individuals Topic-Focused Programs Agribusiness Seminar—Virtual Teaching Team

... Topic-Focused Programs Agribusiness Seminar—Virtual Teaching Team

Upcoming Session
(1 of 1)

Last Ran:

Dates: 16–20 MAY 2022
Format: Virtual
Fee: $7,500

The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals.
Application Due: 06 MAY 2022

This program includes live online classes, self-paced work, discussion groups, and virtual networking. Download brochure for detailed schedule. Please note that there is a required pre-program session on May 9, 2022 from 10:00 AM-12:45 PM ET.

Admissions Criteria and Process

View In-Person Program Offering

Apply

Download Brochure

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

View In-Person Program Offering

Apply

Download Brochure

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

Summary

The global pandemic and urgent concerns about climate change and environmental disasters are putting new levels of pressure on traditional agriculture business models and supply chains. These and other types of change, from emerging technologies to political shifts, have created new challenges, but also new possibilities, for companies that can innovate, develop new strategies, and scale their operations. For more than 60 years, business leaders from around the world have gathered for the Agribusiness Seminar at Harvard Business School (HBS) to discuss the changing agribusiness landscape—and shape the future of this vital industry. As you gain valuable insight into agribusiness trends, challenges, and emerging opportunities, you will find new ways to build competitive advantage and drive business growth.

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

Summary

You may also be interested in the related 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 market demand, regional and global trends, and local operating realities. You will join an accomplished group of executives to examine new business models for navigating rapid changes in technologies, consumer demands, and geopolitics. 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—and for the planet and its people.

DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Appreciate the interconnectedness of the global food system and the implications for your business Appreciate the interconnectedness of the global food system and the implications for your business

Anticipate how trends in other geographies and industry segments may affect your business
Examine the effects of local and regional events on global supply chains
Manage risks, and even find opportunities, arising from climate change, environmental pressures, geopolitical tensions, and other global phenomena
Identify ways to build resilience and flexibility in order to thrive in a volatile industry

Explore ways that firms build differentiation and overcome cost pressure Explore ways that firms build differentiation and overcome cost pressure

Innovate in products and marketing to defend against commodification and drive profitability
Draw on customer insights to create more responsive business models and offerings
Leverage technology that generates better data for decision-making and improves operational efficiency
Adapt internal processes, cultures, and communication strategies to attract the next generation of innovators and leaders

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

Appreciate the interconnectedness of the global food system and the implications for your business

Anticipate how trends in other geographies and industry segments may affect your business
Examine the effects of local and regional events on global supply chains
Manage risks, and even find opportunities, arising from climate change, environmental pressures, geopolitical tensions, and other global phenomena
Identify ways to build resilience and flexibility in order to thrive in a volatile industry

Explore ways that firms build differentiation and overcome cost pressure

Innovate in products and marketing to defend against commodification and drive profitability
Draw on customer insights to create more responsive business models and offerings
Leverage technology that generates better data for decision-making and improves operational efficiency
Adapt internal processes, cultures, and communication strategies to attract the next generation of innovators and leaders

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

Current and rising leaders, ranging from senior executives in large multinational companies to heads of family businesses and agribusiness entrepreneurs, in all sectors of the industry
Producers of crops and livestock
Processors, traders, distributors, and marketers of agricultural commodities and food products
Marketers of consumer-branded fresh and packaged food products
Conventional and digitally enabled grocery retailers, restaurants, and foodservice distributors
Manufacturers and distributors of agricultural inputs, supplies, and farm equipment
Government agencies and nongovernment institutions focused on food, nutrition, farming, and rural development
Digital, biotechnology, and other technology players that shape the food, agriculture, and energy sectors
Agribusiness-specialized investment and banking firms

Particularly appropriate for: Chairpersons, chief executive officers, presidents, managing directors, owners, and other company leaders who drive strategy for their firms.

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

Who Should Attend

Current and rising leaders, ranging from senior executives in large multinational companies to heads of family businesses and agribusiness entrepreneurs, in all sectors of the industry
Producers of crops and livestock
Processors, traders, distributors, and marketers of agricultural commodities and food products
Marketers of consumer-branded fresh and packaged food products
Conventional and digitally enabled grocery retailers, restaurants, and foodservice distributors
Manufacturers and distributors of agricultural inputs, supplies, and farm equipment
Government agencies and nongovernment institutions focused on food, nutrition, farming, and rural development
Digital, biotechnology, and other technology players that shape the food, agriculture, and energy sectors
Agribusiness-specialized investment and banking firms

Particularly appropriate for: Chairpersons, chief executive officers, presidents, managing directors, owners, and other company leaders who drive strategy for their firms.

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

Youngme Moon teaching in the HBSonline studio

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

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.

Application Deadline

MAY 2022 session application due: 06 MAY 2022

Applications submitted after the due date may not be processed in time to grant admission.

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. You will be invoiced upon admission to the program. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt, or upon receipt if the program start date is less than 30 days from the invoice date. If you need to cancel or defer your participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellation or deferral requests received 14 to 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days are subject to full payment.

Admissions Criteria and Process

Application Deadline

MAY 2022 session application due: 06 MAY 2022

Applications submitted after the due date may not be processed in time to grant admission.

Answering Your Questions

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

What You Will Learn

Through faculty presentations, case studies, group discussions, and industry guest speakers, you will explore agribusiness trends and best practices covering a wide array of organizational, strategic, competitive, economic, and societal issues.

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. Further enriching the sessions is the unique opportunity to meet and hear from top executives of the companies featured in the cases.

The upcoming seminar will feature new agribusiness-specific cases incorporating the latest trends, evolving business models, competitive strategies, and novel thinking about industry opportunities and challenges.

What You Will Learn

Program Format

Pre-program Session: On Monday, May 9, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 12:45 PM ET, participants will attend a one-hour orientation and initial group meeting.

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). Class sessions will take place in the HBS Live Online Classroom. 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. We advise setting aside a total of 2-3 hours per day for program work in addition to the synchronous sessions.

Program Format

Pre-program Session: On Monday, May 9, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 12:45 PM ET, participants will attend a one-hour orientation and initial group meeting.

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

Read Full Bio

Faculty

José B. Alvarez

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Marketing

Read Full Bio

Joshua D. Margolis

James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

Forest L. Reinhardt

John D. Black Professor of Business Administration

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

Joshua D. Margolis

James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

Forest L. Reinhardt

John D. Black Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Business, Government and the International Economy

Read Full Bio