HSWT's International Alumni Seminar on Sustainable Agriculture

The program focused on stabilizing farming systems through diversification, quality assurance, and value chain management. Participants engaged in lectures, hands-on workshops, and industry excursions, gaining valuable insights into related area of expertise.

The seminar opened with a university introduction by Dr. Bernd Müller, followed by a networking workshop to connect participants. Key lectures covered topics such as animal nutrition by Prof. Dr. Jörg Rühle and post-harvest management by Prof. Dr. Iryna Smetanska. Additionally, Bozidar Maric from Teekanne GmbH & Co. KG gave an online presentation on tea supply chains. Practical workshops, led by Prof. Smetanska, provided hands-on experience in chocolate production and agricultural product drying methods.

Excursions offered further learning opportunities, including visits to Kräuter Mix GmbH in Abtswind, one of the leading German manufacturer of air-dried herbs and spices, and Funke GbR, a tea cultivation and processing company. Participants also explored the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft research center in Merkendorf, gaining insight into crop phenotyping, and visited HSWT’s Competence Centre for Digital Agribusiness (KoDA). An excursion to Rothenburg ob der Tauber added a cultural dimension to the programme.

The final part of the program took place at BIOFACH, the world’s leading trade fair for organic food in Nuremberg. From February 11-14, participants engaged with global industry leaders, explored emerging market trends, and expanded their professional networks. The seminar provided a platform for alumni to exchange knowledge, foster collaborations, and contribute to sustainable agricultural development in their home countries.

• Zurück zur Übersicht