UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For 40 years, the international agriculture minor in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has enhanced students’ understanding of agriculture on a global scale by exploring diverse countries, addressing real-world issues and engaging with local communities at home and abroad
Since its inception, the 18-credit INTAG minor has equipped more than 300 students to lead, serve and innovate in communities worldwide and in Pennsylvania, according to Noel Habashy, associate teaching professor and coordinator of the INTAG minor.
“What began as a bold and forward-thinking initiative has grown into a dynamic program that gives students invaluable, real-world experience addressing complex agricultural issues globally,” he said. “We commend the college’s leadership and faculty for championing the INTAG minor, which empowers students to confront global challenges, such as efficient agricultural production, management of environmental resources, and the need for all human beings to have access to nutritious and healthy food.”
He explained that the program offers courses in various academic fields, including social and natural sciences, and can be paired with any Penn State major. The minor requires that students participate in an international experience, which can be fulfilled by completing a semester-long research project or taking an embedded course with an international travel component.
To commemorate the program’s anniversary, Ag Sciences Global recently hosted a trip to Harrisburg and Philadelphia for current students to visit with alumni, state officials and agricultural leaders.
Their first stop was the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in Harrisburg, where they met with several key leaders, including Secretary Russell Redding and experts in international trade, food safety, and plant and animal health. The students learned about the important domestic and international trade relationships for Pennsylvania agriculture. Pennsylvania is a net exporter within the United States and has strong relationships with expansion opportunities, particularly with Canada and emerging markets in the Caribbean and Asia.
The students also met with state Rep. Paul Takac to explore the inner workings of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The day wrapped up with a discussion at the Keystone Building and an evening celebration marking the 40th anniversary of the INTAG program.