Mission Statement
The mission of the Thessalonica Agricultural and Industrial Institute, also known as the American Farm School, is to educate youth and adults to become professionally accomplished in the latest aspects of agriculture, ecology and the life sciences, and to make Greece and its neighbors a better place.
Vision Statement
Building on more than a century-long tradition of developing stewards of the land, the Thessalonica Agricultural and Industrial Institute, also known as the American Farm School, is engaged in a transformative process to strengthen its position as a highly respected regional educational institution preparing leaders and managers who add value to the food and agriculture sector, through:
- Production, processing, and marketing of food, feed, fiber, and fuel
- Wise use of natural resources
- Preservation of the environment
- Application of life sciences to solving problems
- Utilization of information technology
Our programs will capitalize on opportunities created by the convergence of these areas, as well as by the School’s location in southeastern Europe. True to the core values of the institution, they will honor our heritage and also respond to the rapidly changing social, agricultural, and educational landscape.
The School’s holistic programs educate students to use their heads, hands, and hearts, and to think creatively, act with integrity, and work both cooperatively and independently to become leaders in their communities. The School’s learn-by-doing environment promotes the application of theory to practice and remains the hallmark of our educational philosophy.
The School promotes healthy, sustainable, economically viable, and socially responsible food and agriculture systems. Our program offerings help to improve the career prospects and well being of citizens of Greece and the neighboring region, and of others beyond this reach. The School enjoys strong links to both the U.S. and Greece and will continue to perpetuate the best values of each.
We believe that a focus on management of the Greek and southeastern European food and agriculture sector gives us a strong competitive advantage for the near- and medium-term future. Instruction at the secondary, higher, and adult education levels – with particular attention to skills such as proficiency in English and information technology – will foster the competencies needed to compete in a global economy. In the longer term, a focus on applied life sciences and advanced technology will guide our initiatives at all levels.
The School will develop according to a strategic plan designed to advance our educational programs and support environmentally friendly, education-oriented, value-added activities such as, but not limited to:
- Dairy, poultry, and other food processing
- Livestock management
- Contract research
- Bioscience quality control and certification laboratories
- Production of healthy food supplements and natural products
- Production of fruit, vegetables, wine, and olive oil
- Sustainable agrotourism
We envision alliances with the most modern farms, enterprises, and institutes within our reach, and with domestic and international research and development organizations. These alliances will ensure high-quality internship placements for students, funding of collaborative research and technology projects, professional development opportunities for staff, and a steady stream of advice and counsel on emerging areas of science and technology driving the food and agriculture sector of the future.