Danish agriculture is characterized by minor, independent farms - the average size being approximately 40 hectares of land, the prevailing production being livestock aimed at export, and relying on intensive cultivation of crops. Theoretical education of agricultural trainees was gradually introduced after 1850, partly in connection with the growth in the number of the Danish Folk High Schools (Folkehøjskoler). As a consequence of the structure of the agricultural sector, agricultural education has always been aimed at qualifying students to become independent private farmers. A number of agricultural education and training programmes for agricultural assistants are offered at technical colleges.

Agricultural education and training take place at 25 agricultural colleges, and are organized according to the sandwich principle. Periods of education and training at college alternate with periods of practical training in contract-based employment in approved agricultural businesses. Agricultural colleges may be attended by all school leavers who have completed the ninth form of the "Folkeskole".

The education and training programmes at agricultural colleges are built up in a step-by-step system of modules with various levels of qualification. All modules include both periods of teaching and training at college, and periods of practical training in a work placement.

Modules 1 and 2 take a total of three and a half years, and qualify for employment in agricultural businesses. Furthermore, they give admission to courses at agricultural colleges educating agricultural works managers. In certain cases they also give admission to the Royal Danish Veterinary and Agricultural University. Module 3 is an 18 months' course qualifying product managers (The Green Certificate), module 4 is a five-month superstructure course qualifying works managers (The Green Diploma). A possible alternative to this is the course qualifying special agricultural economists (duration 17 months). This course is for students who have completed module 2, supplemented by at least 6 months' employment in the agricultural sector.

Students are assessed regularly during courses, both on the basis of their general participation and on the basis of examinations. Qualifying courses have a final examination which is assessed by an external body.

A FARMER SHOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO RUN A BUSINESS Steen Holm Hansen, 24, will be a qualified farmer in a short time and says, »I think that it has been exciting to see things grow and to work with animals and crops. In this programme you find good interaction between theory and practice. I have had four different practical training placements and this has given me much inspiration and new ideas. I also went to Australia, and there I learned what large-scale farming is. I would like to go on studying to become an agricultural economist, and I would like to take a course in management and financing. As a Danish farmer it is not enough to be good at driving tractors and at looking after animals. Farmers should also be good at negotiating with banks and mortgage institutions.«