Climate change, demands for water and other natural resources, armed conflict, the pandemic, trade tensions—these and many other forces are driving volatility and change across global and local food systems. In spite of these challenges, the current environment presents new possibilities for firms that can innovate, develop new strategies, deliver value, and build resilience.

For more than 60 years, business leaders from around the world have gathered for the Agribusiness Seminar at Harvard Business School (HBS) to deepen their understanding of the food and agriculture landscape, exchange perspectives, strengthen their networks, and cultivate ideas to shape this vital industry. In our upcoming seminar, you will explore current and future industry dynamics through the lens of a dozen new agribusiness case studies, developing insights that can help you build competitive advantage and drive growth in your own firm and career.

Summary

Key Benefits

Whatever role your company plays in the agribusiness value chain, this annual 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 in examining new business models for navigating changes in consumer demand, supply chain functioning, competition, regulation, and other factors. 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

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

Anticipate the impact of trends and risks in other geographies and industry segments
Examine the effects of local and regional events on global supply chains, trade, geopolitics, and international business operations
Manage risks and find opportunities arising from climate change, environmental pressures, and logistical challenges
Identify ways to build the resilience and flexibility needed to thrive in an evolving industry

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

Defend against commodification and drive profitability through product and marketing innovation
Design robust, reliable supply chains that enhance competitiveness and customer service
Draw on customer input to create more responsive business models and offerings
Improve decision-making and operational efficiency through better data
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 across 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

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

Anticipate the impact of trends and risks in other geographies and industry segments
Examine the effects of local and regional events on global supply chains, trade, geopolitics, and international business operations
Manage risks and find opportunities arising from climate change, environmental pressures, and logistical challenges
Identify ways to build the resilience and flexibility needed to thrive in an evolving industry

Explore ways that firms build differentiation and overcome cost pressure

Defend against commodification and drive profitability through product and marketing innovation
Design robust, reliable supply chains that enhance competitiveness and customer service
Draw on customer input to create more responsive business models and offerings
Improve decision-making and operational efficiency through better data
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 across 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
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, food security, agricultural trade policy, etc.
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.

Dive Deeper into the Experience

See how exchange with faculty and peers yields new insights into critical business trends.

Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

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
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, food security, agricultural trade policy, etc.
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.

Dive Deeper into the Experience

See how exchange with faculty and peers yields new insights into critical business trends.

Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

Learning and Living at HBS

When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.

Review Our Campus Health & Safety Protocols

Learning and Living at HBS

Review Our Campus Health & Safety Protocols

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, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals. 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

Answering Your Questions

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

What You Will Learn

Through faculty-led classroom discussions, case studies, small-group work, and insights from guest speakers, you will explore agribusiness trends and best practices covering an 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. The seminar will feature new cases incorporating the latest trends, evolving business models, competitive strategies, and novel thinking about industry opportunities and challenges. Each case focuses on a particular food or agriculture-related firm and the key decisions its leaders face. We enhance the learning with the unique opportunity to meet and hear from top executives featured in the cases.

What You Will Learn

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

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

How can business leaders anticipate and respond to trade disruptions, weather events, and other forces affecting their supply chains? How can they make their supply chains more reliable?
How can firms strengthen compliance and transparency in supply chains over which they lack full control?
How should companies balance short-term and long-term considerations as they seek to operate more sustainably?
How can companies address the different priorities of various stakeholders?
Which companies will benefit from integrating vertically, and why?
What kinds of partnerships will be most successful in the future?

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

How can firms modernize while preserving their essential strengths, brand value, and longstanding customer and supplier relationships?
How can businesses develop an effective strategy for serving consumers with diverse expectations, preferences, and definitions of value?
How can firms meet the needs of budget-conscious customers at a time of high inflation?
How can consumer demand for protein—whether meat, dairy, or plant-based—be met efficiently and sustainably?
How should food and agriculture business leaders think about—and deliver on—their responsibility to consumers and other stakeholders when a crisis arises?

Harnessing innovation Harnessing innovation

How can firms nurture innovation in science, technology, business models, and partnerships to address challenges such as food safety, perishability, nutrition, and labor shortages?
How can companies innovate to reposition and reinvigorate old brands and products?
What strategies should firms use to stimulate adoption of novel products, such as lab-grown meat?
How can firms recruit and retain top innovation talent?
How are leading companies increasing their capacity to bring new products to market?

Navigating a volatile landscape Navigating a volatile landscape

How can companies maintain momentum in the face of climate change, regulatory and policy uncertainty, global logistical bottlenecks, inflation, and unstable commodity markets?
What other kinds of volatility may force companies to adapt their strategies and operations in the years to come?
How has Russia's invasion of Ukraine affected the global food system, and how are firms responding?
What are the key steps to anticipating change, managing risk, and responding effectively?

Supporting farms of the future Supporting farms of the future

What is the future of farming in developing and mature markets?
How are unpredictable trade and immigration policies creating new challenges for farmers?
How will the agribusiness industry manage the challenges arising from increasing water scarcity?
Who will constitute the next generation of farmers, and how will farmers access the agricultural labor necessary to operate farms?
How will technological advances evolve the practice of farming and bring important efficiencies?

Key Topics

Creating more resilient, sustainable supply chains

How can business leaders anticipate and respond to trade disruptions, weather events, and other forces affecting their supply chains? How can they make their supply chains more reliable?
How can firms strengthen compliance and transparency in supply chains over which they lack full control?
How should companies balance short-term and long-term considerations as they seek to operate more sustainably?
How can companies address the different priorities of various stakeholders?
Which companies will benefit from integrating vertically, and why?
What kinds of partnerships will be most successful in the future?

Addressing the needs and demands of consumers around the world

How can firms modernize while preserving their essential strengths, brand value, and longstanding customer and supplier relationships?
How can businesses develop an effective strategy for serving consumers with diverse expectations, preferences, and definitions of value?
How can firms meet the needs of budget-conscious customers at a time of high inflation?
How can consumer demand for protein—whether meat, dairy, or plant-based—be met efficiently and sustainably?
How should food and agriculture business leaders think about—and deliver on—their responsibility to consumers and other stakeholders when a crisis arises?

Harnessing innovation

How can firms nurture innovation in science, technology, business models, and partnerships to address challenges such as food safety, perishability, nutrition, and labor shortages?
How can companies innovate to reposition and reinvigorate old brands and products?
What strategies should firms use to stimulate adoption of novel products, such as lab-grown meat?
How can firms recruit and retain top innovation talent?
How are leading companies increasing their capacity to bring new products to market?

Navigating a volatile landscape

How can companies maintain momentum in the face of climate change, regulatory and policy uncertainty, global logistical bottlenecks, inflation, and unstable commodity markets?
What other kinds of volatility may force companies to adapt their strategies and operations in the years to come?
How has Russia's invasion of Ukraine affected the global food system, and how are firms responding?
What are the key steps to anticipating change, managing risk, and responding effectively?

Supporting farms of the future

What is the future of farming in developing and mature markets?
How are unpredictable trade and immigration policies creating new challenges for farmers?
How will the agribusiness industry manage the challenges arising from increasing water scarcity?
Who will constitute the next generation of farmers, and how will farmers access the agricultural labor necessary to operate farms?
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

Forest L. Reinhardt

John D. Black Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Business, Government and the International Economy

Read Full Bio

Faculty

José B. Alvarez

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Marketing

Read Full Bio

David E. Bell

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

HBS Unit:

Marketing

Read Full Bio

Caroline M. Elkins

Harvard Business School:

Visiting Professor of Business Administration

Harvard University:

Professor of History and of African and African American Studies

HBS Unit:

General Management

Read Full Bio

Joshua D. Margolis

James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Organizational Behavior

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

Forest L. Reinhardt

John D. Black Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Business, Government and the International Economy

Read Full Bio

Faculty

José B. Alvarez

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Marketing

Read Full Bio

David E. Bell

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

HBS Unit:

Marketing

Read Full Bio

Caroline M. Elkins

Harvard Business School:

Visiting Professor of Business Administration

Harvard University:

Professor of History and of African and African American Studies

HBS Unit:

General Management

Read Full Bio

Joshua D. Margolis

James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

Your Peers Expand Your Learning

Global Perspective

Experience the world in your classroom.

Global Perspective

Experience the world in your classroom.

Africa

14%

Asia Pacific

20%

Europe

13%

Latin America

Middle East

46%

North America

3%Africa

14%Asia Pacific

20%Europe

13%Latin America

4%Middle East

46%North America

Experience

Years worked

Experience

Years worked

Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years

10-14 years10-14 years

15-19 years15-19 years

20-24 years20-24 years

25-29 years25-29 years

30-34 years30-34 years

35-39 years35-39 years

40 years or more40 years or more

Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years

10-14 years10-14 years

15-19 years15-19 years

20-24 years20-24 years

25-29 years25-29 years

30-34 years30-34 years

35-39 years35-39 years

40 years or more40 years or more

Participating Companies Have Included:

Alltech

Bayer

Elders Limited

H-E-B

Kellogg Company

Land O'Lakes

Mitsui

Nestle

Pepsi

Rabobank

Unigrains

Your Peers Expand Your Learning: Global Perspective

Experience the world in your classroom.

Global Perspective

Experience the world in your classroom.

3%

Africa

14%

Asia Pacific

20%

Europe

13%

Latin America

4%

Middle East

46%

North America

3%Africa

14%Asia Pacific

20%Europe

13%Latin America

4%Middle East

46%North America

Experience

Experience

Years worked

Years worked

Experience

Years worked

Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years

10-14 years10-14 years

15-19 years15-19 years

20-24 years20-24 years

25-29 years25-29 years

30-34 years30-34 years

35-39 years35-39 years

40 years or more40 years or more

Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years

10-14 years10-14 years

15-19 years15-19 years

20-24 years20-24 years

25-29 years25-29 years

30-34 years30-34 years

35-39 years35-39 years

40 years or more40 years or more

Participating Companies Have Included:

Alltech

Bayer

Elders Limited

H-E-B

Kellogg Company

Land O'Lakes

Mitsui

Nestle

Pepsi

Rabobank

Unigrains

Apply Download Brochure

More Admissions Information

Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.

Gather strategic insights from across the industry and globe.

David E. Bell

Faculty

Forest L. Reinhardt

Faculty Chair

José B. Alvarez

Faculty

Apply

Download Brochure

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

Gather strategic insights from across the industry and globe.

David E. Bell

Faculty

Forest L. Reinhardt

Faculty Chair

José B. Alvarez

Faculty

Download Brochure

Apply

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

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Participant Stories

Agribusiness Seminar

Gather strategic insights from across the industry and globe.

Gather strategic insights from across the industry and globe.

Summary

Summary

DetailsExpand AllCollapse All

Understand the interconnectedness of the global food system and the implications for your businessUnderstand the interconnectedness of the global food system and the implications for your business Dropdown down

Explore ways that firms build differentiation and overcome cost pressureExplore ways that firms build differentiation and overcome cost pressure Dropdown down

Expand your personal and professional networkExpand your personal and professional network Dropdown down

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

Explore ways that firms build differentiation and overcome cost pressure

Expand your personal and professional network

Who Should Attend

Learning and Living at HBS

Learning and Living at HBS

Admissions Criteria and Process

Answering Your Questions

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

Answering Your Questions

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

What You Will Learn

What You Will Learn

Key TopicsExpand AllCollapse All

Creating more resilient, sustainable supply chainsCreating more resilient, sustainable supply chains Dropdown down

Addressing the needs and demands of consumers around the worldAddressing the needs and demands of consumers around the world Dropdown down

Harnessing innovationHarnessing innovation Dropdown down

Navigating a volatile landscapeNavigating a volatile landscape Dropdown down

Supporting farms of the futureSupporting farms of the future Dropdown down

Creating more resilient, sustainable supply chains

Addressing the needs and demands of consumers around the world

Harnessing innovation

Navigating a volatile landscape

Supporting farms of the future

The HBS Advantage

The HBS Advantage

Your Peers Expand Your Learning

Your Peers Expand Your Learning

Gather strategic insights from across the industry and globe.

Gather strategic insights from across the industry and globe.

Application Closed

Waitlisted

Accepting Applications

DetailsExpand All Collapse All

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

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

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

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

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

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

Harnessing innovation Harnessing innovation

Navigating a volatile landscape Navigating a volatile landscape

Supporting farms of the future Supporting farms of the future