​There is a continuous exit of small farmers from business, due to the limitation of land and water and an ever increasing trend away from farming to other professions. Today's farmers need to adapt to this process by making the required transition from being simple producers to becoming managers of an agricultural enterprise, armed with the latest technologies and know-how, as well as an understanding of the market.

Agricultural diversification, coupled with intensive Research and Development and effective up-to-date extension services for rural farms, will prevent the transformation of additional farming lands for non-agricultural use and keep farmers and rural professions in business. As technology and intensive agricultural methods change the conditions of agricultural production, farmers need to explore other alternatives in order to remain in the rural areas.

Taking into account current trends, Israel is ready to share its rich experience in agribusiness for the enhancement of rural development.

The proposed training program aims at contributing to rural women’s empowerment by exploring agricultural entrepreneurship, as well as additional, farm related components of the rural economy contributing to income generation and employment, taking into consideration the adaptability of methods and technologies, to meet local conditions in each participant's country. The participants will be exposed to the various aspects of planning, development, and management of small businesses in agro-industries, so that by the end of the course they are able to:

 -Use the tools of value chain analysis to elaborate growth strategies

 -Organize, supervise, and manage farm production effectively and profitably

 -Initiate, organize, and manage small agribusiness projects

 -Provide tools for supporting small scale businesses in rural areas

 -Plan and organize small and large agriculture enterprises with an emphasis on the entrepreneurial concept

 -Entrepreneurial Training: How to start and manage an agro-enterprise

 -Marketing and Branding for Agribusiness

 -Women in business

 -Support systems in Israel and best practices in promoting agro-entrepreneurship

- New trends in modern agriculture (technological advancements, nutritional concerns, water/energy management)

 -How agribusiness can find solutions to economic, social, and environmental problems

 -Sustainable agriculture and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This regional course is geared towards prominent and influential professionals, practitioners and policymakers involved in agriculture and rural development, as well as experienced representatives of the agriculture private sector. Candidates should hold a senior position, an academic degree in related disciplines and have at least five years of professional work experience in related fields.

A full command of English is required.

Application forms and other information may be obtained at the nearest Israeli mission or at MASHAV’s website: http://mashav.mfa.gov.il/MFA/mashav/Courses/Pages/default.aspx.

Completed application forms should be sent to the relevant Israeli mission in the respective country and copy to nuria@mctc.org.il by the 28/04/2019

Arrival date: 16/6/2019

Opening date: 17/6/2019

Closing date: 27/6/2019

Departure date: 28/6/2019

Participants must arrive at the training center on the arrival date, and leave on the departure date. Early arrivals/late departures if required, must be arranged by the participants themselves, directly with the hotel and must be paid for by the participant him/herself.

MASHAV awards a limited number of scholarships. The scholarship covers the cost of the training program including lectures and field visits, full board accommodation in double rooms (two participants per room), health insurance (see below) and transfers to and from the airport. Airfares and daily allowance are not included in the scholarship.

The course will be held at the Dan Panorama Hotel located at HaNassi Boulevard 107, Haifa, 34632. Participants will be accommodated in double rooms (two participants per room)

Medical insurance covers medical services and hospitalization in case of emergency. It does not cover the treatment of chronic or serious diseases, specific medications taken by the participant on a regular basis, dental care and eyeglasses. Health authorities recommend that visitors to Israel make sure they have been inoculated against tetanus in the last ten years. Subject to the full binding policy conditions. Participants are responsible for all other expenses.