Abstract
This paper comprises some relevant experience gained by a joint bilateral project between Hungary and Italy, on the title of uAdvanced Management and Innovation for Integrated and Sustainable Rural Development”, to be implemented between 1998 and 2000. In the last five years the partners have been carried out an intensive collaboration in the topic (exchange visits in previous bilateral project, joint participation and presentations in different international events, organizing workshops and conferences in Hungary, Italy, Romania and Serbia etc.). Hungary, under a thorough transition and facing EU accession, has been working on restructuring its agricultural policy towards a bigger market orientation, as well as on an emphasis on the regional aspects and rural development, considering domestic needs as well as following the guidelines and predictable requirements of AGENDA 2000. The recent shortage of relevant farm management information and lack of an operating and effective extension system can hinder or distort relevant management decisions at farm business level. This fact emphasizes Ihe importance of the education and training development as well as the necessity of regional extension.