Graduate Study
Organic Agriculture with Agrotourism

Study Programme Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Aleksandra Perčin, PhD

Description

The curriculum of the programme in Ecological Agriculture and Agrotourism is relatively similar to the curricula relating to organic agriculture in the EU member states. The study is a logical continuation of Bsc studies in the field of Biotechnical sciences - agriculture and related sciences (forestry, food technology) of University of Zagreb, other Croatian and/or foreign universities. In the study there are numerous of elective modules - students themselves choose modules to be studied at the Faculty of Agriculture or some other faculty and the studying at a different university in Croatia or abroad for 1-2 semesters.

Objective

The objective of the graduate study programme Organic Agriculture with Agrotourism is to educate experts by providing knowledge and skills needed for organization and management of organic or rural tourism farm. The graduate study, by combining lectures and practical work, enables acquisition of multidisciplinary knowledge in the area of biotechnical and social sciences, field of agriculture, ecology, environmental protection and tourism. Upon completion of a two-year university study, graduates in organic agriculture and agrotourism are qualified to work independently on their own family farms, to work in state administration and local self-government offices in the field of agriculture, rural and tourism sector, to work in public institutions that manage protected areas and research institutions as well as for continuation of education at the postgraduate study level.

Learning outcomes

1. Identify and explain the role of organic agriculture within the agriculture, as an economic activity and tourism and agro-tourism within the overall economy
2. Define the place and role of organic agriculture within the economy, with particular emphasis on its role in protected areas
3. Argue the benefits of ecological principles in agricultural production in order to achieve income of agricultural farms, local communities and regions
4. Interpret the concept, forms and specificsof agro-tourism, the impact on regional specifics, regional and global development, as well as direct and indirect effects of agro-tourism on nature and economy
5. Explain the effects of tourism, rural tourism and agro-tourism on the environment and agriculture, and local and national economy
6. Identify and describe products and production methods based on ecological standards and characteristics of origin, geographical and traditional labels
7. Recommend a selection of products, production methods and procedures prior establishment and organization of agro-tourism activities
8. Create entrepreneurial programs in agro-tourism in the scope of assessment of natural and human potentials for agro-tourism activities and identification of clients in agro-tourism
9. Independently establish and manageagro-tourismfarm
10. Define directions of development of agro-tourism considering Croatian regional characteristics, to participate in creation of strategic and operational documents in the domain of rural and agro-tourism
11. Use acquired knowledge and skills as a basis of all forms of lifelong learning