Advancement by the integration of elementary improvements into superior systems

Recent and expected achievements are discussed in disciplines such as biote chnology, materials science, building physics, structural design and enviro nmental engineering. Basic knowledge about the interdependence between tech nology and plants, animals and microbiology, must be put together in the fu nctional design and layout of facilities, which also meets requirements for : visual impact and aesthetic quality; environmental implications and susta inability; economic competitiveness of enterprises and several other requir ements. However, external factors often determine prices and income, such as the ma rketplace, government policy, international trade, the World Trade Organisa tion and the world food situation, leading to a continuous trend of structu ral change and the relocation for the agri-food system. Infrastructure inve stments designed by agricultural engineers, driven by technological, econom ical and political changes are the cutting edge of structural change for sh aping the future farming. Can agricultural engineers meet the challenge of synthesis for the third millennium? (C) 2000 Silsoe Research Institute.