Future-Proof Farming: Diversification, Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Climate change is putting increasing pressure on our water systems. In this international programme, you work with students from different disciplines on real challenges around Lake IJsselmeer and discover how the Netherlands manages water in a changing climate.
Field of interest
Plant sciences
Field of interest
Sustainability
Duration
3 weeks
Education type
Blended Intensive Programme
Field of interest
Business
Introduction

Explore new opportunities for farming

What if the future of a farm is about more than farming?

Agriculture across Europe is changing. Farmers face environmental pressures, changing markets, succession challenges and limited opportunities for traditional growth.

Diversification offers another way forward. A farm can combine primary production with new activities such as food processing, a farm shop, education, hospitality, care farming or tourism.

During this international programme, you explore these opportunities, discover inspiring examples in the Netherlands and compare different approaches with students from other countries.

Is this programme for you?

Important: You don't need to come from a farm or plan to become a farmer. Curiosity about agriculture, entrepreneurship and the future of our food system is what matters.

  • You are curious about the future of farming

    You want to understand how farms can adapt to changing markets and societal challenges and explore new opportunities alongside traditional agricultural production.

  • You think like an entrepreneur

    You are interested in new business models, innovation and creating value. You want to discover how an agricultural business can develop beyond its existing activities.

  • You want an international perspective

    You enjoy exchanging ideas with students from different countries and want to compare challenges, solutions and opportunities across different agricultural contexts.

What will you learn?

  • Explore farm diversification
    Discover how farms can create additional activities and sources of income alongside primary production.
  • Discover new business opportunities
    Explore business models and entrepreneurial opportunities in areas such as food, hospitality, education, tourism and care farming.
  • Learn from real businesses
    Visit diversified farms and innovative agri-food businesses and see how entrepreneurs put new ideas into practice.
  • Compare international approaches
    Share experiences from your own country and discover how agricultural businesses elsewhere respond to similar challenges.
  • Develop solutions together
    Work with international students on practical challenges, exchange best practices and turn different perspectives into new ideas.
  • Build your international network
    Meet students, lecturers and professionals with different backgrounds and expand your international perspective on agriculture and entrepreneurship.

The programme deliberately combines company visits, guest lectures, workshops, real-life challenges and international teamwork.

Quick facts

  • Programme: Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme
  • Location: Aeres University of Applied Sciences, Dronten
  • Format: Blended learning
  • On-site: 5–9 April 2027
  • Online: 15–19 March 2027
  • Credits: 3 ECTS
  • Language: English, B2 level or higher
  • Application deadline: To be announced
Programme content

How does the programme work?

The BIP combines online preparation with an intensive on-site week in Dronten and is worth a total of 3 ECTS.

Costs

Costs and Erasmus+ funding

Programme fee

Participation in the programme itself is free of charge.

Erasmus+ funding

Students from Erasmus+ partner institutions may be eligible for Erasmus+ BIP mobility funding to contribute towards travel and subsistence costs.

Contact the International Office at your home institution to check your eligibility and application procedure.

Can you participate?

This programme could be a good fit if you are interested in:

  • farm diversification;
  • agriculture and agribusiness;
  • entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability;
  • food systems and rural development;
  • the future of farming;
  • improving your English communication skills at B2 level or higher.

You don't need to come from a farming background. An interest in agriculture, entrepreneurship and the future of the food system is what matters.

how to apply

How to apply

For more information about the programme, contact:

Carina Bakker
Department of Agriculture
Aeres University of Applied Sciences
c.bakker@aeres.nl

Questions about Erasmus+

Aeres UAS International Office (international.uas@aeres.nl)

Practical matters

Frequently asked questions

On this page: