A Lesson from Jerte Valley
Margaret Moore*

In a principles of micro-economics class, the trip to Caceres served as an excellent example of the WW Rostow theory that economic growth and development can be compared to the flight of a plane, starting from a take-off period, moving to a period of rapid ascent and finally to sustained flight. Junta Caceres is the necessary ingredient for the take-off stage demonstrating the development social goods and the creation of infrastructure necessary for expansion. The cooperative Valle del Jerte, one of the newer ventures in the region, illustrates the period expanded growth and development and a beginning of movement toward sustained flight.

Using the example of the Extremadura region, gave the students an opportunity to see that government, business and education can work together to promote improved economic conditions, create jobs and overall enhance the economy. Thank you to our hosts for the opportunity to study their business structure as well as enjoying their hospitality.