Introduction

In an increasingly complex and globalized food system, effective supply chain management is essential to ensure the availability, quality, and sustainability of agricultural products. This five-day course covers end-to-end supply chain management within agribusiness, focusing on procurement, logistics, risk management, and sustainable practices. Through real-world case studies, interactive workshops, and hands-on exercises, participants will develop a deep understanding of the agribusiness supply chain and learn strategies to optimize operations, reduce waste, and enhance resilience.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the structure, components, and dynamics of the agribusiness supply chain.
2. Gain insights into efficient procurement, logistics, and distribution practices.
3. Learn techniques for managing supply chain risks and building resilience.
4. Develop skills in sustainable and traceable supply chain practices.
5. Create a supply chain optimization plan tailored to the agribusiness context.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Agribusiness managers, supply chain professionals, and procurement specialists.
• Farmers, agricultural producers, and cooperative leaders.
• Distribution and logistics managers within the agri-food sector.
• Policy advisors, regulators, and extension agents focused on agriculture and trade.
• Researchers, educators, and students in agribusiness or supply chain management.
• Anyone involved in managing, improving, or understanding agribusiness supply chains.

Day 1: Fundamentals of Agribusiness Supply Chain Management

Overview:
The first day provides an introduction to supply chain management principles, with a focus on the unique aspects of the agribusiness supply chain. Participants will examine key elements, including production, processing, distribution, and retail, and understand the impact of seasonality and perishability in agriculture.

• Session 1: Introduction to Agribusiness Supply Chains: Overview and Key Elements
• Session 2: Unique Challenges in Agribusiness: Perishability, Seasonality, and Variability
• Session 3: Supply Chain Models in Agriculture: Local, Regional, and Global
• Session 4: Workshop: Mapping a Basic Agribusiness Supply Chain

Key Takeaways:

• Foundational understanding of agribusiness supply chain dynamics.
• Insights into unique supply chain challenges in agriculture.
• Skills in mapping a basic agribusiness supply chain.

Day 2: Procurement and Supplier Relationship Management

Overview:
Day two focuses on procurement and supplier relationship management. Participants will learn about sourcing strategies, quality control, supplier negotiation, and collaboration, all essential for ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality agricultural inputs.

• Session 1: Strategic Sourcing in Agribusiness: Planning, Evaluation, and Selection
• Session 2: Building Strong Supplier Relationships and Partnerships
• Session 3: Quality Control and Supplier Performance Management
• Session 4: Workshop: Developing a Supplier Relationship Management Plan

Key Takeaways:

• Techniques for effective procurement and sourcing.
• Skills to build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Tools for evaluating and managing supplier performance.

Day 3: Logistics, Distribution, and Inventory Management

Overview:
This day addresses logistics, distribution, and inventory management in agribusiness, with a focus on optimizing transportation, warehousing, and storage to handle perishable goods and ensure timely delivery.

• Session 1: Agricultural Logistics: Transportation, Storage, and Cold Chain Management
• Session 2: Inventory Management in Agribusiness: Just-In-Time and Lean Practices
• Session 3: Distribution Strategies: Local, National, and Export Markets
• Session 4: Workshop: Optimizing an Agribusiness Logistics Plan

Key Takeaways:

• Knowledge of logistics and distribution in agribusiness.
• Skills in managing inventory and minimizing waste.
• Practical experience in creating a logistics optimization plan.

Day 4: Risk Management and Resilience in Agribusiness Supply Chains

Overview:
Day four explores risk management strategies to build resilient supply chains that can withstand disruptions from climate, market volatility, and other uncertainties.

• Session 1: Identifying and Assessing Risks in Agribusiness Supply Chains
• Session 2: Strategies for Building Resilient Supply Chains: Diversification, Buffering, and Flexibility
• Session 3: Crisis Management: Preparing for and Responding to Supply Chain Disruptions
• Session 4: Workshop: Creating a Risk Management and Resilience Plan

Key Takeaways:

• Techniques for identifying and mitigating supply chain risks.
• Strategies for building resilience against supply chain disruptions.
• Skills to develop a crisis response and risk management plan.

Day 5: Sustainable and Traceable Supply Chains in Agribusiness

Overview:
The final day focuses on sustainability and traceability in the agribusiness supply chain. Participants will learn about sustainable sourcing, environmental impact reduction, and digital tools for traceability, ensuring transparency and meeting consumer demand for sustainable practices.

• Session 1: Sustainable Sourcing: Environmental and Social Considerations
• Session 2: Traceability and Transparency in Supply Chains: Tools and Technologies
• Session 3: The Role of Digital Solutions: Blockchain, IoT, and Data Analytics
• Session 4: Final Workshop: Developing a Sustainable and Traceable Supply Chain Plan

Key Takeaways:

• Knowledge of sustainable sourcing and environmental impact reduction.
• Skills to implement traceability using digital tools.
• An actionable plan for a sustainable and transparent supply chain.