The Role of Advanced Information Technology (IT) in Supperting Rural Development and Sustainable Farm and Land Management: A Joint Italian - Hungarian Experience

Hungarian agriculture has been under a radical social-economic transition,which results in fundamental changes in the ownership, production and organization structure of the sector. Both countries Italy and Hungary as well have been actively involved in a reform process of agricultural policy from, different positions and reasons. The process of reform of CAP will be pursued further necessitates new adjustments of Italy as a member of EU. The key-elements of the success of this process are the development of human resource, as well as improved information supply for agricultural decision makers, which should be based upon the wide and more effective use of advanced information technology (IT). This is one of the key challenges for the reform of education, research and extension services. Both sub-regions Perugia in Italy and Szarvas-Koros in Hungary with considerable historical roots and well-functioning institutions of agricultural and environmental education and research, will have a fundamental role in this process amongst other rural higher educationcenters. Recent changes in rural economy, society and environment necessitate system-oriented research using IT tools In scope of this project the exchange of ideas, knowledge and methodologies, about advanced application of IT could provide adaptable ideas and examples for other sub-regions in both sides.