The sense of being in partnership with people around the world has real meaning for us. ARI's annual Rural Leader's Training Program begins on April 1 and ends in mid-December. Many subjects are dealt with through short courses, seminars and observation trips. One-third of the program takes place off campus, according to J.B. Hoover, ARI's coordinator of graduate outreach. Throughout the session, participants are encouraged to grow in their ability to observe situations, analyze problems, find solutions and evaluate the process.
Participants visit farms, schools and community organizations.
There is one major off-campus study trip, as well as tours of northern and western Japan. ARI instructors include men and women from several countries, Hoover said. Their combined experience includes proficiency in organic farming of crops and vegetables, animal husbandry, nutrition, farm technology, fish culture, food processing, cooperatives and credit unions, integrated farming, rural leadership skills, community organization and spiritual growth. Participants also eat what they grow. More than 80 percent of the food consumed at ARI is grown on campus.