February 8, 2001

Extension Agents To Visit Costa Rica

Scott Knoke, Benson County extension agent, and Tim Becker, Eddy County extension agent, will study farming practices in Costa Rica at the end of February. They will join 12 other specialists from the Midwest that are participating in the Exploring Global Resources through Extension Training program (EGRET). The EGRET program is an international professional development experience for extension specialists.

"Through our trip to Costa Rica, we will be better able to understand how agriculture producers in other countries overcome marketing barriers in a global economy," says Knoke.

"I plan to go with an open mind and be ready to listen and learn."

Becker agrees with Knoke’s assessment. "Our goal is not to teach, it’s to learn. We will look at their agriculture, but a bigger part is learning about global societies and how we fit into that framework. We need to open our minds about the different global societies that we’re trading with."

The two extension agents will travel extensively while in Costa Rica. While there, they will visit a rainforest, a banana plantation, the seaport cities of Puerto Limon and Jaco and meet with the Agriculture Attache in San Jose.

Time will also be spent studying a women’s cooperative, a fish farm cooperative, an open air market and a trip to an extension center that is involved in ag-eco tourism. "I’m also looking forward to spending a few days with a host family in a rural setting while in Costa Rica," says Knoke. "It’ll give us a better understanding of their culture and farming practices."

A large part of there time will be spent at Escuela de Agricultura para la Region Tropical Humeda (EARTH) University. Students from around the world attend the university which is located approximately 60 miles from San Jose’ near the base of the Turrialba volcano.

The curriculum emphasizes practical first-hand experiences in field laboratories, community service projects and professional development. Students live with Latin American students while attending classes.

"Students look at many issues while attending EARTH University," notes Knoke. "The study such issues as: social deterioration of rural communities, non-sustainable agricultural systems, degradation of natural resources and the loss of biodiversity."

Knoke and Becker will leave on Feb. 27 and return on March 13. This is the fourth such trip sponsored by the EGRET program.

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Source: Tim Becker, (701) 947-2454, tbecker@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Scott Knoke, (701) 473-5363, benson@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, Richard_Mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu