DSpace Collection:http://repository.afs.edu.gr/handle/6000/812023-02-22T01:49:05Z2023-02-22T01:49:05ZVocational training of young farmers: the case of students of the American Farm School vocational training institutePapakonstantinou, AnnaKoutsoukos, MariosZoukidis, KonstantinosVergos, Evangeloshttp://repository.afs.edu.gr/handle/6000/4792022-06-22T00:00:21Z2022-06-15T00:00:00ZTitle: Vocational training of young farmers: the case of students of the American Farm School vocational training institute
Authors: Papakonstantinou, Anna; Koutsoukos, Marios; Zoukidis, Konstantinos; Vergos, Evangelos
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to investigate the views of young farmers regarding individual dimensions of vocational training as applied to students of the Vocational Training Institute (VTI) of the American Farm School. Processed data arriving from specially formulated Likert-level questions revealed that young farmer students find it absolutely necessary to participate in training programs governed by experiential learning methodologies, while recognizing that these processes are linked to their knowledge and skill improvement for developing a firm future professional consignment in the agrifood sector. To that extent, experiential learning applications would subsequently assist program participants to cultivate and grow a better understanding for innovation, which undoubtedly affect the path of agribusiness investment sustainability. Although current national sectoral progress has taken significant steps ahead, still not being enough satisfactory in terms of competitiveness. However, there has to be always tension to gradually organize and execute professional experiential learning methodologies from specialized educational organizations to concretely reach out higher levels of improvement in rural development alongside with other eminent and specialized important factors.2022-06-15T00:00:00ZInnovative agricultural education curriculum practices promote sustainability in the Balkan Region of South-Eastern EuropeKoulaouzides, George A.Acker, DavidVergos, EvangelosCrunkilton, John R.http://repository.afs.edu.gr/handle/6000/4692022-04-21T00:00:22Z2010-03-17T00:00:00ZTitle: Innovative agricultural education curriculum practices promote sustainability in the Balkan Region of South-Eastern Europe
Authors: Koulaouzides, George A.; Acker, David; Vergos, Evangelos; Crunkilton, John R.
Abstract: Sustainability is a term that can be found in most documents that relate to agricultural and rural development. As a rule, the phrase “sustainable agriculture” is used to denote a particular set of farming practices and/or agricultural policies. However, in an era of continuous knowledge change it is now clearer that sustainability in agriculture can best be understood and advanced in the form of learning processes. The Dimitris Perrotis College of Agricultural Studies (DPCAS) is a recently established, private international post-secondary educational institute. One of the major concerns of the DPCAS curriculum is to infuse the notion of sustainability in the students through various innovations following a “small steps” model. More specifically, promoting courses that increase the concern for the environment, engaging the students in course activities, which demand multidisciplinary information search, and teaching with direct applications of IT, positively affect the conceptual knowledge of sustainability obtained by the students.
Description: Published open access by AIAEE2010-03-17T00:00:00Z"Farmitization": can agriculture take root for economically displaced Greeks?Daudon, SophieVergos, Evangeloshttp://repository.afs.edu.gr/handle/6000/4662022-04-21T00:00:18Z2015-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: "Farmitization": can agriculture take root for economically displaced Greeks?
Authors: Daudon, Sophie; Vergos, Evangelos
Abstract: There is growing evidence that migration to rural areas and adoption of an agricultural livelihood is one way jobless Greeks are attempting to survive the economic crisis. This research aims to provide a deeper look at the reality behind and viability of the supposed Greek “back-to-the-land” movement by exploring the experiences of individuals farming, or considering farming, in the crisis. This paper presents findings from 50 in-depth interviews, two focus groups, participant observation, and media analysis conducted between Oct. 2013 and Apr. 2014. The interviews and analysis highlight the complex nature of the movement, distinguishing it from previous counterurban migrations and contradicting the story told in the media. Many individuals are adopting agriculture without migrating from urban areas; instead they are already living in villages or commuting from cities to their farms. Further, it emerged that the majority of interviewees are only able to consider farming because of prior family connection to the land, suggesting that success may depend on this resource. Significantly, agriculture has positive psychological impacts and is contributing hope, as well as sustenance, to individual livelihoods. Further, many perceive it as an alternative to leaving Greece and a way to preserve Greek culture. However, agriculture is not economically viable for all the individuals interviewed, and serious economic, education and governmental barriers must be resolved.2015-01-01T00:00:00Z