News

As an active member of the European Ukrainian Bridge (EUB), IAK is committed to sustainable partnerships and economic dialog with Ukraine. As part of the Cafe Kyiv 2025 networking event, which took place yesterday in Berlin, we took the opportunity to make valuable contacts, strengthen European cooperation and discuss innovative support options for the reconstruction of Ukraine. IAK also supported the presentation of the "Golden Ukraine" charity brand, the proceeds of which support aid projects in Ukraine, in an advisory capacity.

The first delegation trip in 2025 as part of the APD Germany – South East Europe implemented by IAK took place last week at BIOFACH in Nuremberg. After the APD had made a decisive contribution to the adaptation of organic legislation in the partner countries in recent years and months, a visit to the trade fair with a varied program took place for the second time.

At this year's Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), IAK presented innovative approaches to promoting soil health and climate-resilient cultivation systems together with the Julius Kühn-Institute. Another highlight was the DCZ-IAMO expert panel on biomass-based energy technologies, which highlighted the influence of innovations on policy and climate targets. International guests and lively interest demonstrated the relevance of our projects for sustainable agriculture.

On Jan 13/14, 2025, the project teams of the BKP projects funded by the BMEL and implemented by IAK met in Leipzig to engage in an intensive exchange with their colleagues there. The focus was on a strategic dialog, a workshop on intercultural team management and considerations on strengthening IAK's transformation potential. An impressive organ concert and the festive IAK New Year celebration rounded off the program.

A delegation of renowned regional representatives took part in the EU Agri-Food Days 2024 in Brussels as part of the APD SEE, which is co-implemented by IAK. In addition to forward-looking discussions on EU agricultural policy and sustainable developments, the focus was on high-level meetings. One highlight was the roundtable discussions with the EU Commission, where progress made by the Western Balkan states was presented and potential cooperation was explored. The exposure visit was an important step for the region's EU accession efforts and a complete success for the professional exchange.

Interest in participating in the growth market for organic food is growing steadily – including in the APD South East Europe project region. While the internal market is still in its infancy, the successful adaptation of the EU Organic Regulation in Montenegro shows how momentum can be generated towards EU integration. To further promote implementation, practice-oriented training courses were organized in cooperation with leading experts, which met with enormous interest: Over 600 participants continued their education in six-hour sessions on topics such as group certification and official controls of EU organic production.

After 12 years of intensive cooperation, the DMKNL ended on Nov 27, 2024 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The project implemented by IAK provided important impetus for developing climate-resilient agricultural structures and strengthening food sovereignty in Mongolia. With contributions to agroecological principles, innovative advice and broad legislative support, the DMKNL is a role model for sustainable international cooperation.

As part of the BMEL-funded project on sustainable forest management in Ukraine, IAK welcomed high-ranking representatives from Ukrderzhlisproekt today. The focus was on an exchange of views on current challenges in forest management, strategic objectives and support in the form of urgently needed material resources such as electricity generators – important steps for the sustainable development of Ukraine's forests.

As part of the Innovation and Transformation Dialogue on duckweed funded by the BMEL, a German delegation traveled to Pernambuco, Brazil, from Nov 11-13, 2024. The visit to the various locations with duckweed production focused on the progress of the project in pond fishing and food security in the region as well as possible future collaborations.