site.btaAgriculture Minister Discusses Student and Teacher Exchange with American Farm School in Thessaloniki

Agriculture and Food Minister Kiril Vatev and representatives of the American Farm School (AFS) in Thessaloniki met in Sofia to discuss opportunities for cooperation and exchange of students and teaching staff, Vatev's ministry reported on Monday.

AFS President Jeff Lansdale said the mission of his school is to show young people that farming is a decent and attractive occupation, and to teach them teamwork and entrepreneurial skills. During their studies, the students have a chance to put their knowledge to practice.

Vatev said learning in farm schools and agricultural universities should be practice-oriented. Students should be taught comprehensively not only about the production process but also about marketing, he said.

He briefed the guests on the subjects taught at Bulgarian agricultural and food schools and universities, noting that drawing young people to farming studies is key to improving the demographic situation in rural areas.

The sides considered future get-to-know trips for students and teachers and participation in agricultural fairs.