As agriculture continues to evolve with new technologies and global demands, so must the way we educate future generations of farmers and agri-business professionals.
Today we meet Carsten Friis Poulsen – Head of the International Division at Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business (DAAB).

Q: Please provide us with some information about yourself and your role within the university
A: My name is Carsten Friis Poulsen, and I serve as the Head of the International Division at Dalum Academy of Agricultural Business (DAAB) – or in Danish, Dalum Landbrugsskole. Though officially a Vocational College, we often refer to ourselves internationally as an Academy of Agricultural Business to reflect the scope of our work. I joined Dalum in 2018, following over 35 years of experience in Danish primary agriculture, particularly within pig production. My work now centers around developing and managing customized international programs that bring Danish agricultural education and expertise to a global audience.

Q: Can you tell us more about Dalum Landbrugsskole: tradition, graduates/year, etc. and especially what makes it unique compared to other agricultural training institutions?
A: Founded in 1886, DAAB has a rich legacy rooted in Danish farmer education traditions and the philosophy of folk high schools. Today, we are one of Denmark’s largest agricultural academies, operating under the Danish Ministry of Education.
We have two campuses: Odense - our main campus, located in Denmark’s third-largest city, where most international and senior Danish students study, and Korinth - a rural department featuring a training farm with fields, workshops, and livestock (mainly beef cattle), where hands-on agricultural teaching takes place. What sets us apart is our strong international profile. We are the only Danish ag-college offering commercialized, customized programs for participants across the globe. Each year, we host over 500 students, mostly for 1-semester programs. The international component is highly flexible, including short-term, online, and abroad-based training programs.

Q: What skills and knowledge do students gain that are most relevant for modern farming businesses?
A: Our educational model is built around a modern farming mindset, grounded in three interdependent pillars:
• A holistic understanding of agriculture and the full value chain (both upstream and downstream),
• Deep technical knowledge and practical skills relevant to modern agricultural practices, and
• Strong business and human resource competencies, including leadership and strategic thinking.
This integrated approach ensures that students are not only technically capable but also business-savvy and ready to meet real-world agricultural challenges.

Q: How does the university support students to access hands-on experience in addition to theoretical? Are there internship programs, etc.?
A: All students go through real-life agricultural internships as a core part of their education. These are conducted on operational farms, where students are formally employed with contracts detailing for example their salaries, maximum weekly working hours, and the fact that they are still in training. This model, often referred to as the Danish Sandwich Model, alternates periods of school-based education with on-farm practice, ensuring a balance between theory and hands-on experience

Q: How does the University collaborate with DFA and what are the aspects in which the Association can provide support to students through its members?
A: Dalum is a member of Danish Farmers Abroad, alongside various industry companies. We view our role similarly to that of agricultural suppliers: offering tailored education programs just as they provide specialized equipment or services.
In working with DFA, we invest time and resources to understand local contexts and stakeholder needs. This collaboration results in co-developed programs that are relevant, flexible, and impactful.

Q: How can DFA members get involved in supporting or benefiting from Dalum’s programs?
A: Our current program, created in partnership with DFA, is tailored for staff members on DFA-affiliated pig farms. The goal is to upskill their teams directly. However, this format is entirely customizable and could be adapted to other DFA sectors over time. We invite DFA members to connect directly with us to explore how we can build value-added educational collaborations.


Q: What trends do you see shaping the future of agricultural education?
A: Without doubt, sustainability and the green transition are driving forces in current and future agricultural education. These themes are already deeply integrated into our curricula.
We also emphasize the concept of "license to produce"—the idea that agricultural production must align with a shared understanding among producers, consumers, and policymakers. This includes consensus around issues like environmental impact, animal welfare, and ethical production standards.

Thank you, Carsten, for sharing your insights and experiences with us!
Stay tuned for more stories from our incredible DFA community.
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