Agroscope as well as research and sectoral partners from Italy, Germany, Austria and Switzerland are signing a joint Memorandum of Understanding, thereby strengthening their cooperation for research and education in viticulture, fruit and vegetable growing.
On 21 November 2024, Agroscope Executive Board Member Christoph Carlen signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bolzano together with ten other representatives from research and education institutions. The Wädenswil Centre for Viticulture in Switzerland will also be actively involved. Signed at the international trade fair for all things apple – Interpoma – in Bolzano, the MoU marks the start of a collaboration initially planned for five years. The Laimburg Research Centre in South Tyrol hosted the signing of the Memorandum and the supporting programme.
Together, the Alliance aims to better meet the challenges of fruit growing and viticulture as well as vegetable production. The associated food systems are knowledge-intensive, requiring a high degree of specialisation among farmers as well as continuous innovations in the fields of growing, pest control, processing and storage. Here, knowledge exchange in research and innovation is called for. Knowledge transfer to the educational system is to be facilitated by the alliance partners. Joint cross-border research projects in the four signatory countries, student and expert exchanges and the organisation of seminars and training programmes are being planned so as to make optimal use of resources.
“Cooperation at international level harnesses valuable synergies” affirms Christoph Carlen. “New findings can be used transnationally. In addition, joint further-education courses continue to promote the very helpful exchange between researchers and practitioners.”
