�� - and Trade in Panama

Panama Offers Student Crop Production Experiences

nicolerh — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 14:26:00 +0000

In photo at top: From left, Raven Kinnetz, Courtney Harle and Dr. Ebby Luvaga, economics, learn about pineapple production in Panama. Photos provided by Courtney Harle.

Agronomy senior Courtney Harle said her travel study course to Panama “Tropical Agricultural Production International Business, and Trade in Panama” was a great way to finish up her second degree in international agriculture. The trip took place Dec. 29 through Jan. 10. “I chose to travel to Panama because I love crop production, and I wanted to be able to compare Iowa’s corn and soybeans to tropical agriculture like pineapple, cacao, coffee, bananas, and sugarcane,” said Harle.

She said a great stop on the trip was to La Granjerita (The Little Farmer), a woman-owned farm that grows a diverse selection of fruits and vegetables. “I learned that she uses basil to prep her greenhouses because it acts as a natural repellent for red spider mites to protect later high value crops. There is a huge push for organic production across Panama, so it was fascinating to see how different farmers were approaching their pest management strategies,” said Harle.

Her favorite part of the experience was engaging with the rich Panamanian culture. “We actually had the opportunity to “trade” cultural dances. They taught us the Tamborito, which is the national dance of the country, and we taught them the Copperhead Road line dance, said Harle.

First photo at left, Harle checks out weeds and plant life. Second photo, Harle at a banana plantation.

_{Original story posted, https://www.agron.iastate.edu/2024/02/06/panama-offers-student-crop-prod....}

Tags:

Panama Offers Student Crop Production Experiences

Panama

Tropical Agricultural Production

International Business

Author(s):

Tropical Agricultural Production, International Business, and Trade in Panama - Winter Break 2025-2026

nicolerh — Wed, 24 May 2023 15:45:05 +0000

Currently Unavailable

Panama

Program Director(s):

Dr. Ebby Luvaga

Dr. Amani Elobeid

John Reasoner

Program application deadline extended to May 1, 2025

Program dates are tentative and subject to change

Students will gain an introduction and first-hand exposure to tropical agricultural production, economics, international business, culture, and rural life. Students will have an opportunity to learn about Panama's strategic location and also experience the Panamanian culture while also learning about how history and culture play a key role in shaping the relationship between Panama, the United States, and other countries in the world.

Participating students will earn 3 credits of Econ 4960 for the fall 2025 semester

This program is typically offered every other year, with the program last offered fall 2023 with travel over winter break 2023-2024.

Sunday, January 4, 2026 to Friday, January 16, 2026

Department:

Economics

Type of Travel:

Travel Course

Application Deadline:

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Semester:

Fall

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