American visitors impressed by 'exceptional' opportunities on University visit

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New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte and Harper Adams Professor of Crop Science Jim Monaghan

The ‘exceptional’ opportunities Harper Adams University students offers its students have been hailed by an American agricultural leader.

New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte was speaking after leading a delegation of young people to the UK who were interested in finding out more about the food and faming sectors in the country.

The visit to Harper Adams was arranged by the University’s Professor of Crop Science Jim Monaghan after he was contacted by the Trade and Agriculture Team at the British Embassy in Washington DC.

Professor Monaghan visited the Embassy last year as part of a UK trade delegation – and was delighted to host his American visitors and show them around the campus.

Next-Generation

He said: “The aim of the visit was to show how we deliver agricultural teaching and research in the UK, and the focus we have at Harper Adams on developing the next generation of graduates and researchers for the industry both in the UK and further afield.”

During their time at Harper Adams University, the delegation met current Harper students and toured the University’s award-winning facilities and Future Farm, where they heard much about shared practices between the institution and American farming – as well as seeing some key differences.

Secretary Witte said: “Agriculture in the UK and the USA has many similarities, and those start with the passion of producers. The goal is essentially the same in both countries: to produce food for those who need it and want it.

“One advantage in the USA is the involvement and leadership development opportunities provided to our youth, which seem to be missing in the UK. 

“Agriculture will depend on the next generations to grow the food - and both countries need to ensure that the next generations have the opportunities to enter agriculture.”

Hands-on

However, as Secretary Witte noted following his visit, there are some institutions which are showing leadership and offering young people development opportunities– with Harper Adams firmly among them.

He added: “The University provides a great opportunity for the next generation to receive valuable education and hands-on learning to be successful in agriculture, much like our land grant institutions in the USA. 

“Harper Adams University provides an outstanding opportunity to educate the future agriculture leaders in the UK and elsewhere. 

“One thing that really stood out was the requirement for students to complete internships to gain hands-on learning.

“That is exceptional!”

Overall, Secretary Witte hailed his visit as a success and noted how it gave the mostly college-age participants a deeper understanding of the possibilities of higher education not only in their own country, but also in the UK.

He added that the participants on the mission were very impressed by the passion and depth of agriculture in the UK and with Harper Adams University providing great opportunities for college students, much like those in the USA. 

He said: “Expanding their horizons was a primary purpose of this mission - and letting them see that the USA is not the only place where food is grown or policies impact agriculture.”