H a r v a r d | B u s i n e s s | S c h o o lExecutive Education
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Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Agribusiness Seminar
Dates: 09–12 JAN 2022
Location: HBS Campus
Fee: TBD
The program fee covers registration, program materials, accommodations, and meals.
Program Announcement
The program originally scheduled for 10–13 JAN 2021 has been cancelled. Please
consider applying to <a href="/agribusiness-seminar-virtual/">Agribusiness Seminar—Virtual</a>,
running 04–08 JAN 2021. If you have any questions, please contact <a href="mailto:executive_education@hbs.edu">executive_education@hbs.edu</a>.
Summary
Many types of change, from emerging technologies to natural resource shortages to
political shifts, have put pressure on traditional agribusiness business models—and
created new possibilities for companies that can innovate, develop new strategies,
and scale their operations. For over 50 years, business leaders from around the world
have gathered for the Agribusiness Seminar at Harvard Business School (HBS). This
annual event provides a unique opportunity to join an elite group of global executives
as they 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.
Many types of change, from emerging technologies to natural resource shortages to
political shifts, have put pressure on traditional agribusiness business models—and
created new possibilities for companies that can innovate, develop new strategies,
and scale their operations. For over 50 years, business leaders from around the world
have gathered for the Agribusiness Seminar at Harvard Business School (HBS). This
annual event provides a unique opportunity to join an elite group of global executives
as they 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.
Key Benefits
Whatever role your company plays in the agribusiness value chain, this program will
help you stay current with shifts in market demand, regional and global trends, and
local operating realities. You will 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.
Evaluate domestic and international opportunities in a global context and identify
your best routes to growth
Anticipate changes in industry structure that could affect both your internal culture
and 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 countries and regions and
address the challenges of international production, marketing, and trade
Whatever role your company plays in the agribusiness value chain, this program will
help you stay current with shifts in market demand, regional and global trends, and
local operating realities. You will 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.
Details
Design forward-looking strategies and business models
Evaluate domestic and international opportunities in a global context and identify
your best routes to growth
Anticipate changes in industry structure that could affect both your internal culture
and 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 countries and regions and
address the challenges of international production, marketing, and trade
Drive innovation to address an evolving customer base, new competitive challenges,
and emerging opportunities
Understand how innovation and technology are changing the industry's structure and
the ways businesses and customers relate to one another
Recognize risks and address challenges before they cause problems for your business
Build a flexible organization that responds to change with greater 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 living 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
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.
Global Perspective
Experience the world in your classroom.
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Experience
Years worked
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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.
Global Perspective
Experience the world in your classroom.
/Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=145
Experience
Years worked
/Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=146
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.
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.
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.
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.
No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to
the program start date. If you need to cancel or defer participation, you must submit
your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive
a full refund. Cancellations or deferrals 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.
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.
No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to
the program start date. If you need to cancel or defer participation, you must submit
your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive
a full refund. Cancellations or deferrals 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.
Program content, dates, fees, 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.
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 2020 seminar will feature new agribusiness-specific cases incorporating the latest
trends, evolving business models, competitive strategies, and novel thinking about
industry opportunities and challenges.
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 2020 seminar will feature new agribusiness-specific cases incorporating the latest
trends, evolving business models, competitive strategies, and novel thinking about
industry opportunities and challenges.
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?
How can companies meet strategic objectives while mitigating risk, controlling cost,
and capturing value?
Which companies will benefit from integrating vertically, and why?
What kinds of partnerships will be most successful?
How can companies balance tight control and predictability with flexibility and responsiveness?
How can firms design effective strategies for different market challenges, such as
food safety, food scarcity, malnutrition, and the demand for healthy, sustainable,
and convenient choices?
How can they 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?
How are new types of business models, investment vehicles, partnerships, and innovation
strategies providing new ways to create value for customers and investors?
What are the ripple effects of these innovations?
How much, and how quickly, will digital technologies transform agriculture?
How can existing barriers to the effective implementation of business practices and
governmental policies be overcome?
How are leading companies increasing their capacity to innovate and bring new products
to market?
How should companies innovate to overcome environmental challenges?
Creating more resilient, sustainable supply chains
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?
How can companies meet strategic objectives while mitigating risk, controlling cost,
and capturing value?
Which companies will benefit from integrating vertically, and why?
What kinds of partnerships will be most successful?
How can companies balance tight control and predictability with flexibility and responsiveness?
Addressing the needs and demands of consumers around the world
How can firms design effective strategies for different market challenges, such as
food safety, food scarcity, malnutrition, and the demand for healthy, sustainable,
and convenient choices?
How can they 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 are new types of business models, investment vehicles, partnerships, and innovation
strategies providing new ways to create value for customers and investors?
What are the ripple effects of these innovations?
How much, and how quickly, will digital technologies transform agriculture?
How can existing barriers to the effective implementation of business practices and
governmental policies be overcome?
How are leading companies increasing their capacity to innovate and bring new products
to market?
How should companies innovate to overcome environmental challenges?
Navigating a volatile landscape
How can companies maintain momentum in the face of 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 impact companies doing business locally, across borders,
or globally?
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 are unpredictable trade and immigration policies creating new challenges for farmers?
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
David E. Bell
Baker Foundation Professor, George M. Moffett Professor of Agriculture and Business, Emeritus
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
H a r v a r d | B u s i n e s s | S c h o o lExecutive Education
