Graduate Certificate in Agroforestry Economics
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in Agroforestry Economics and the lead instructor for the new Graduate Certificate in Agroforestry Economics. Welcome, Jane! GUEST: Thanks for having me! I'm excited to share my insights and experiences with your audience. HOST: Fantastic! Let's dive right in. Can you tell us about your personal experiences and motivations that led you to teach this course? GUEST: Absolutely! I've spent over 15 years working in agricultural economics and saw firsthand the potential of agroforestry systems. I wanted to empower professionals with the economic tools necessary to optimize these systems and address global challenges like food security and climate change. HOST: That's inspiring. Now, what current industry trends are most relevant to this course, and how does the certificate address them? GUEST: Sustainable land management and carbon sequestration are hot topics right now. Our course dives deep into these areas, giving students the skills to evaluate financial viability, value ecosystem services, and promote sustainable rural development. HOST: Very interesting. Have you encountered any challenges in teaching this subject or seen your students struggle with specific concepts? GUEST: Yes, some students initially find it challenging to grasp the complexities of integrating economic analysis with ecological systems. However, we use real-world case studies and practical applications to help them understand and apply these concepts more effectively. HOST: That sounds like a great approach. Looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of agroforestry economics and this course's role in it? GUEST: I believe the demand for professionals with expertise in agroforestry economics will continue to grow as society seeks innovative solutions to food production, climate change, and rural development. Our course prepares students to be at the forefront of these efforts and contribute to a more sustainable future. HOST: Dr. Jane Smith, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and insights with us today. We're excited to see the positive impact this course will have on the industry and the careers of its graduates. GUEST: Thank you for having me! It's been a pleasure discussing the Graduate Certificate in Agroforestry Economics with your audience.
