CIHEAM IAMB

1. Homepage
2. Education
3. Masters
4. Mediterranean Organic Agriculture

The Master Programme: One Academic Year  (60 ECTS)

The main objective of the Master Programme in “Mediterranean Organic Agriculture” is to train graduate students, researchers or professionals (disciplines: Agricultural Sciences, Natural Sciences, Biology, Biotechnology, Food Sciences, Ecological/Environmental Sciences, Rural Sociology, Economy, Agribusiness) to produce innovation in the Mediterranean organic agriculture, by creating and maintaining sustainability in the farming system, and assisting and contributing to the development of the organic sector both at national and regional level. 

In this framework, further goals are:

• Developing agronomic skills related to practices and techniques of Mediterranean Organic Agriculture production and management;
• Developing skills related to legislation, inspection, certification and labelling of organically-produced food and fibres;
• Building capacity in socio-economic analysis and market strategy for organic agriculture;
• Providing trainees with the necessary tools and expertise to assess agricultural, environmental, and socio-economic opportunities and constraints of organic agriculture in different Mediterranean areas.

The levels required to apply for admission to the Master Programme are:

• Three years of university studies (180 ECTS);

• Four years of university studies (240 ECTS);

• Four years out of five (240 ECTS), upon agreement between the sending University and CIHEAM Bari according to which the year attended at CIHEAM Bari is recognized as fifth year by the University of origin in order to graduate;

• Five years of university studies (300 ECTS);

• Professionals having a degree (3-4years) and at least 2 years of experience in a field related to the Master Programme.

The Master of Science Programme: Two Academic Years  (120 ECTS)

In the second year, students who have successfully completed the first year and met all the prerequisites set by the Institute, draft a thesis based on experimental research work. 

The scientific results derived from research work are usually announced on the occasion of International Conferences and/or published in scientific journals.

Topics generally available for Master of Science theses in organic agriculture are:

• Evaluating the impact of agricultural innovation in cropping systems and soil fertility management
• Innovative biocontrol preventive and curative strategies of new and emerging pests in Mediterranean climates
• Quality valorisation of organic food through novel food products 
• Sustainability of agricultural and natural systems
• Economic and market research
• Socio-economic impacts and impacts of support policies

During the second year, some students will be guided towards a PhD programme jointly carried out by Italian Universities and CIHEAM Bari.