Poland–Texas Young Farmers Exchange Programme: a new edition opens

POLISH Association OF PLANT PRODUCERS                                                                         

INVITATION TO THE PROGRAMME FOR THE EXCHANGE OF YOUTH AGENTS POLAND – TEXAS 2023  

The programme is aimed at young people who want to link their future to farming. It is intended to provide them with knowledge and experience which will be useful in further work on the farm. The programme is implemented in Poland and the United States. Every year at the same time, Polish farmers go to Texas farms, and young people from Texas come to Polish farms.

Objectives of the Exchange Programme

1. Acquiring knowledge of agriculture, production, agricultural policy and economics, the education system, the history of agriculture and environmental conditions
2. Exchange of information on agricultural policy and practice, research and technology in the European Union and the United States
3. Enhanced cooperation between agricultural producer organisations, universities and administration in Poland and Texas
4. Building good relations and cooperation between Poland and Texas

Objectives of the programme

1. stay on the farm and participation in the daily work and activities of the host family;
2. Gain experience in production, agricultural policy and economics;
3. Participation in meetings with representatives of agricultural organisations, government and local authorities, universities with an agricultural profile in order to deepen knowledge about agriculture and agricultural production in the host country;
4. Learning about traditions, history and culture, visiting historical sites and monuments

Programme developers and cooperating institutions and organisations

From the Polish side – Polish Association of Grain Plant Producers, SGGW, International Academy of Applied Sciences in Łomża, Agricultural Advisory Centre in Brwinów

Program partners in Poland

Syngenta, Procam, Agrocentre, Agro Business Club

From the American side - Texas A&M University and the TALL program

Programme coordinators

Polish - Katarzyna Boczek – Polish Association of Grain Plant Producers

From the U.S. Jim Mazurkiewicz Texas A&M University and the TALL Program

Organisation of the Programme

Planned departure of Polish farmers: 19 June – 21 July 2023

Duration of the programme: 5 weeks

Age required participants: 20-30 years

Subject matter: production of cereals, maize, sorghum, milk and pigs, horticulture

Education requiredGraduation from secondary or higher education in agriculture

Language requirements:  at least a basic knowledge of English to be able to communicate independently

Welcome: driving licence for cars, tractors and other agricultural machinery

Other requirements for young farmers

1. Each participant will be required to attend daily classes and live on the farm with the host family.
2. Participants shall not receive remuneration for their work
3. Participants should acquire practical knowledge and experience, so they are expected to be active, engaged and interested. Articles, photos and videos made during your stay in Texas will be welcome.
4. Each host holding shall have one exchange participant
5. At the beginning of the exchange, participants will participate in a three-day introductory programme and at the end of the programme in a two-day summary programme.

Conditions of residence

1. The participant has secured transportation to and from the airport in Texas .
2. Participant will participate in a 3-day introductory training at TAMU State University in College Station (near Austin) funded by sponsors
3. The participant is provided with food and accommodation for the duration of the programme
4. Participant will attend a program summary meeting and dinner prepared by the program organizers in Texas
5. The participant will receive a certificate confirming the participation in the programme

Cost categories on the part of the participant

1. Flight by plane
2. Insurance
3. Covid tests before departure (if applicable)
4. Administrative costs of the programme

(detailed costs will be known after confirmation of ticket and insurance costs by the companies where we place orders)

 Documents to be completed and delivered

1. Application form in Polish
2. Application form in English – paste photo
3. Commitment to host an Exchange Programme participant in 2023
4. Copy of passport (may be provided at a later date)
5. A copy of the identity card

Please send the forms (points 1 and 2) before the interview to the following e-mail address:  k.boczek@cdr.gov.pl, and the others (points 3,4,5) bring to the interview

Job interview

A qualification interview in English for those interested in participating in the Programme will take place in Warsaw on 30 January 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting is planned in the building of the National Union of Dairy Cooperatives. Hoja 66/68, conference room on the fourth floor.

Contact

to the Exchange Programme coordinator, Katarzyna Boczek

Tel. 604 477 651 e-mail: k.boczek@cdr.gov.pl

or President of the Management Board of the Polish Association of Cereal Plant Producers, Stanisław Kacperczyka

Tel 604 186 906 e-mail: akacpe@potta.onet.pl

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