Some students think of summer as a time to take a break from school, but that was not the idea that this group from the College of Agricultural Sciences had for their summer travels. Twenty-two students signed up for the Exploring World Agriculture trip that was offered through the college. On Sept. 4, the group departed from Portland and headed off to Europe where they began their journey through Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium and France. The students were given the opportunity to visit various types of agricultural industries throughout these countries including; wineries, vineyards, breweries, hop farms, greenhouses, chocolate factories, flower operations, brown coal mining, service farms, dairies, swine farms, beef farms, vegetable and flower auctions and other tourist attractions throughout Europe.

“The EWA trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity. We got to see so many things that the regular tourist would not get to see,” said Lyle Horton,  reflecting on his trip.

“The future of American agriculture will depend on the ability of its leaders to adapt to the ever-changing globalized economy,” said Thomas Griffin after returning home from Europe where he got to see agriculture on a global scale.

“We must be aware of what other nations are doing in our agricultural areas and analyze how that is going to affect our markets and viability.”

The Exploring World Agriculture program gives students the opportunity to experience cultures, meet people from other places in the world and understand agriculture’s global role.