News

Germany's forests are increasingly suffering from the consequences of climate change, as the recently published Forest Condition Report confirms. Forest managers from the countries of the Western Balkans are also addressing the associated challenges as part of the Agricultural Policy Dialogue Germany – South East Europe. In addition to sustainable management of raw material supply, modern forestry also plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and promoting climate protection. These aspects were examined in more detail in a specialist information trip organized by the IAK together with HessenForst – from politics and research to practical implementation in the forest.

Last week, an exposure visit and a thematic session at the IAMO Forum 2025 in Halle (Saale) took place as part of the Agricultural Policy Dialogue Germany – South East Europe (APD). Both were organized by IAK and SWG. The focus was on the challenges and opportunities for young people and women in agriculture, intending to foster sustainable prospects for rural regions in the Western Balkans. A diverse supporting program complemented the week, offering practical insights into innovative approaches to regional development.

How can rural development be successfully organized? A Ukrainian delegation explored this question last week in Germany. The focus was on the exchange of information on funding instruments at the EU, federal, and state levels, as well as the role of LEADER regions and LAGs, along with concrete practical examples from research, administration, and regional development. The trip was jointly organized by the two projects APD Ukraine and COA, which are funded by the BMLEH and implemented by IAK – to gain impetus for implementation in Ukraine and further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Ukraine's agricultural sector plays a key role on the country's path to EU integration. This week, a high-ranking Ukrainian delegation traveled to Brussels to discuss reforms, challenges and opportunities in the Ukrainian agricultural sector with representatives of the EU institutions as part of the German-Ukrainian Agricultural Policy Dialogue (GAPD) implemented by IAK – an important step in preparation for the upcoming accession negotiations.

At the business meeting organized by the German Agribusiness Alliance (GAA) on May 15, 2025, IAK presented the planned GreenSphere Alliance Program of MBM Groups International – a comprehensive investment project to promote sustainable agriculture and climate innovation in Vietnam. In an exchange with Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Agriculture Tran Thanh Nam, IAK also offered targeted advice on exporting Vietnamese agricultural products to the EU and importing European products to Vietnam – to strengthen trade partnerships and better use market potential.

On May 12, 2025, the project steering group of the Sino-German Agricultural Center (DCZ) implemented by IAK met in Beijing for the annual exchange. The focus was on planning joint activities for climate-resilient agriculture and expanding bilateral cooperation – including a new exchange format on agrobiodiversity. A visit to the High-Tech Farming Z-Park rounded off the meeting.

As part of the German-Brazilian Agricultural Policy Dialogue (APD), a delegation from Brazil traveled through Germany in early May 2025 to find out about sustainable and innovative approaches in agriculture. The focus was on modern technologies, digitalization and mechanization for smallholder farms – key building blocks for productive and sustainable agriculture. The diverse exchange strengthened bilateral cooperation and provided important impetus for sustainable developments in both countries.

The project steering group of the IAK-implemented project on sustainable forest management in Ukraine held its first meeting in Kyiv on Apr 10, 2025. Building on the successes of the first project phase, central measures such as a further modern forest inventory, the promotion of near-natural forestry and the adaptation of legislation within the framework of EU association are now being driven forward - a joint step towards sustainable forest development in Ukraine.

This year's IAK herd manager training course took place on Apr 3/4, 2025, at the Atrium Hotel Amadeus in Osterfeld and at Agrargesellschaft Prießnitz mbH. The participants were offered engaging presentations from science, practice and consulting as well as practical workshops on all aspects of feed controlling. We are delighted with the high level of interest – the event was fully booked with a new record number of participants.