Shandong has implemented the program for Orientation Training Talents of Spreading Agricultural Technology inVillages (Publicly Funded Agricultural Students) since 2018, focusing on training undergraduates in urgently needed majors for township agricultural technology popularization agency. This move is a vital measure for Shandong to do a fine job in the key tasks in the field of “agriculture, rural areas and farmers”, complement the shortcomings of talent training, and strengthen talent support.

Recently, SDAEU has been approved as a designated admission university for Publicly Funded Agricultural Students, and has become one of the five provincial universities that undertake the task of training Publicly Funded Agricultural Students. The enrollment plan for 2020 is 70, the enrollment major is Agricultural and Forestry Economy Management. The employment areas involves 12 cities, including Jinan, Zibo, Zaozhuang, Yantai, Jining, Tai'an, Weihai, Rizhao, Linyi, Dezhou, Binzhou, Heze and so on.

Publicly Funded Agricultural Students are admitted in advance batches of undergraduates. Tuition and accommodation fees are exempted during their studies at school, and certain living allowances are given. After graduation, students will go to the voluntary cities for targeted employment. The policy of Publicly Funded Agricultural Students provides a direct employment channel for high school graduates who love the “agriculture, rural areas and farmers” undertakings and volunteer to engage in spreading agricultural technology in township after graduation.