This success, which is unique in the history of mankind, has in recent years been increasingly questioned, while the economic, social and technical consequences of this development can no longer be ignored by the rest of the society.

This new situation facing the rural world and the agri-food industry is provoking an identity crisis in the higher education system responsible for Agriculture and Food Sciences in Europe, which is now obliged to revise its scientific, teaching and institutional strategies.

It is in that context that the European Commission (DG XXII) has called for a European Conference to be organised on the future prospects of Higher Education in Agricultural and Food Sciences (as for fifteen other subject areas). The conference will concentrate on the following:

- changes underway in the different national training systems,
- new demands that need to be taken into consideration when adapting syllabi,
- value of European integration strategy,
- research intopossible contribution to be made by European Institutions.

The Commission has appointed a Scientific Committee composed of experts from European countries responsible for producing two documents which are published by ICA:

- a guide to courses within Europe
- a survey on challenges and prospects.

The analysis has been prepared for each country on the basis of a common design so suitable comparisons can be made.

This document "Guide to courses within Europe" functions as the third edition published by ICA and replace the 1990 edition. It includes new countries and more detailed analysis of the national systems.

In my opinion it gives an excellent account of the diversity and the richness of Higher Education and Agriculture and Food Sciences within Europe.

The ICA is grateful to DG XXII of the EU for its guidance and support as well as the cooperation and efforts of the Committee Members and the authors for their contribution. ICA presents this material for thought, study and deliberation.