Sixty Years of Socio-Cultural Education in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Marie-Jeanne Fotré-Muller, regional director of food, agriculture and forestry, recently highlighted the importance of socio-cultural education during the return to the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (BFC) agricultural education conference.
The discussion centered on celebrating sixty years of this vital discipline within agricultural education establishments.
Fotré-Muller explained that the integration of socio-cultural education began around six decades ago with the vision of then-Minister of Agriculture, Edgar Pisani.
Pisani championed the discipline to broaden the perspectives of farmers during a period of agricultural modernization.
The initiative aimed to connect farmers with the wider world, fostering a greater understanding of diverse cultures and societal influences.
Today, with approximately fifty-five agricultural establishments in the BFC region, the focus has shifted to empowering these institutions to become active participants in rural culture.
Pierre-Olivier Rousset, Deputy Director of Cultural Affairs of BFC, emphasized the need to strengthen culture’s role in rural areas.
rousset referenced the “Ruralit & Eac…” initiative, signaling ongoing efforts to integrate cultural awareness and engagement within the agricultural landscape.
The introduction of socio-cultural education marked a critically important shift in agricultural training.
Previously focused primarily on technical skills, the curriculum expanded to include humanities, social sciences, and arts, recognizing the importance of a well-rounded education for farmers navigating a changing world.
The ongoing relevance of socio-cultural education stems from the evolving demands placed on modern farmers.
Beyond food production, they are increasingly expected to be stewards of the land, advocates for lasting practices, and active members of their communities.
This holistic approach to agricultural education prepares future generations to meet these challenges effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
what is socio-cultural education in agriculture?
Socio-cultural education integrates humanities, social sciences, and arts into agricultural training, broadening farmers’ perspectives and preparing them for a wider role in society.
Who initiated socio-cultural education in French agriculture?
Edgar Pisani, then Minister of Agriculture, initiated socio-cultural education approximately sixty years ago.
How manny agricultural establishments are in the BFC region?
There are nearly fifty-five agricultural establishments within the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.
What is the current focus of socio-cultural education?
The current focus is on empowering agricultural establishments to become active participants in rural culture.
Why is socio-cultural education crucial for farmers?
It prepares farmers to be stewards of the land, advocates for sustainability, and engaged members of their communities.
