VMU Agriculture Academy Community Gained Knowledge from Foreign Teachers During the International Staff Week of the ERASMUS+ exchange Programme

The International Staff Week under the ERASMUS+ programme took place on May 2-6 at the Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy. 15 scientists from 8 countries got acquainted with the Academy, gave lectures to the community of VMU Agriculture Academy and participated in various activities with the colleagues.

Two foreign lecturers visited the Department of Plant Biology and Food Sciences of the Faculty of Agronomy – assoc. prof. dr. Ajla Ališah from the university of Sarajevo and prof. dr. Ewa Czarniecka-Skubina from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. Visiting lecturers gave lectures and discussed topical issues to 2nd-4th year students of the first cycle study programme Food Quality and Safety. Scientist A. Ališah presented the results of her ongoing research during the presentation “Hygienic, health-technological and economic aspects for the quality prevention of broiler chicken”, and scientist E. Czarniecka-Skubina presented a lecture on the topic: “Development of new food packaging”.

“The researchers answered the questions of students and invited them to take the opportunity to come to the universities of life sciences in Sarajevo and Warsaw for study and practice under the ERASMUS+ programme. The guests were happy to communicate and share their scientific experience with the Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy, the staff of the Department and doctoral students. During the visit the possibilities of cooperation in scientific and project activities were discussed”, – prof. dr. Elvyra Jarienė and assoc. prof. dr. Judita Černiauskienė summed up the visit of foreign lecturers.

During The International Staff Week of the ERASMUS+ programme two foreign lecturers – prof. Romeo A. Gomez and assoc. dr. Olesea Cojocaru – visited the Department of Agroecosystems and Soil Sciences. Visiting scientists gave lectures to 2nd year students of the Agronomy programme and to the 1st year students of the Food Quality and Safety programme. The lecture on the topic “Biologically active soil health – the basis of organic farming” was given to the community of VMU Agriculture Academy by dr. O. Cojocaru Prof. dr. R. Gomez shared his knowledge on the topic “Traditional rice-based ecosystems (TRBEs) in Ifugao and Benguet, Philippines”. The lecturer from the State Agrarian University of Moldova dr. Mr Cojocaru gave a presentation on “Soil resources in the Republic of Moldova”, and prof. dr. R. A. Gomez from the Benguet State University in Philippines introduced the report on topic “Environmental and Sustainability Issues in Traditional Rice-Based Ecosystems (TRBEs)”.

“I am glad that in addition to lectures and other centrally organized activities of the university, the invited lecturers had the opportunity to have a warm and businesslike conversation with the Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy assoc. prof. dr. Aida Adamavičienė, as well as to discuss with many lecturers and researchers of the Department of Agroecosystems and Soil Sciences during the breaks between lectures. During these conversations, discussing the possibilities of future scientific cooperation, the idea to acquaint the guests with the possibilities of the VMU Agriculture Academy Test Station, with the research carried out here and the available equipment has arisen. This visit to VMU Agriculture Academy Test Station was organized and the guests were kindly supervised by assoc. prof. dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė”, – said assoc. dr. Rimantas Vaisvalavičius.

Two scientists from Egypt – Mansoura University dr. Mohamed M. Awad and Cairo University dr. Sheriff Mehanny – visited the Department of Mechanical Energy and Biotechnology of the Faculty of Engineering. Dr. M. M. Awad gave the lecture to the community of VMU Agriculture Academy on the topic “Modeling of Two-Phase Frictional Presure Gradient in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems”, and dr. Sh. Mehany introduced the lecture on topic “Biocomposites & Nanocellulose”.

The Faculty of Engineering, Department of Water Engineering was visited by two foreign lecturers – Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Director of the Water Center doc. dr. hab. Wojciech Sas and doctoral student Justyna Dzięcioł.

The invited teachers had the opportunity to participate in the opening event of ERASMUS+ International Staff Week and listened to the traditional national songs of all Lithuanian regions, learned the peculiarities of Lithuanian folk dances “Oira oira…”, tasted Lithuanian food and drinks.

Invited scientists gave lectures on “Problems of anthropogenic materials – soils in geoenvironmental engineering”, “Problems of waste management used in civil engineering in the aspect of product Life Cycle Monitoring”. W. Sas presented the scientific activities of SGGW Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Center to the staff of the Department of Water Engineering, and discussed the possibilities of cooperation. Doctoral student Justyna Dzięcioł went on a trip to Vilnius organized by VMU, both invited lecturers also visited cognitive objects in Kaunas.

Besnik Krasniqi, the researcher from the University of Pristina, visited the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development. The scientist gave the lecture on topic “Research Methodology” to the students of the Business Logistics programme. After the lecture, the members of the scientific community together with the Dean of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development doc. dr. Bernardas Vaznonis discussed general possibilities of cooperation in science and studies. The lecturer from the Palze Birzeit University in Mohabad Abu Rjailah also visited the Faculty of Bioeconomical Development.

Three researchers from Portugal visited the Faculty of Forests and Ecology during The International Staff Week of the ERASMUS+ programme. Jorge Manuel Rodrigues Tavares, the researcher from the Beja Polytechnic School of Agriculture, presented the report on topic “Sustainable animal production.” Scientist Flávia Matias Oliveira da Silva gave the lecture on topic “Use of phytoremediation to remove pharmaceutical compounds in constructed wetlands”. Researcher Maria Teresa Borralho Marques dos Carvalhos shared knowledge with the VMU Agriculture Academy community on the topic “Emergent organic contaminants in water: advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) treatments for recalcitrant compounds”.

Assistant K. Gesevičienė shared her scientific experience at the University of Agriculture in Kraków and discussed the possibilities of university cooperation

On March 22-25, Kristina Gesevičienė, an assistant at the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy went on a teaching visit to the University of Agriculture in Kraków, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, when participating at Erasmus+ Staff mobility for teaching program. The intended objectives were achieved during the mobility, i.e. shared the experience in the field of dissertation research – the impact assessment of the effectiveness of environmental subsidies – and during the meeting with researchers from the host university the possibilities of institutional cooperation between Vytautas Magnus University and the University of Agriculture in Kraków in the field of joint research and projects were discussed.

According to K. Gesevičienė, the teaching mobility helped me to acquire new competencies in international cooperation and improved professional teaching skills.

The GreenCool project Kick-off meeting

Erasmus+ Strategic partnerships project “The GreenCool – ‘Let me influence your green self! – Skill development in the encouragement of mindset towards environmental awareness and sustainable development in the alliance of ECoC” funded by the European Union has been launched from 28^th of February 2022 will take place till 31^st October 2024.

The Partnership consisting of the University of Pannonia (coordinator), Hungary, Militos Consulting S.A., Greece, Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania, West University of Timisoara, Romania, University of Tartu, Estonia successfully started the project work in the Kick-off meeting.

As a first step to achieve the defined goals and harmonize the partnership, we held the first transnational project meeting on 3-4^th March 2022. The Kick-off meeting was organised in Veszprém by the Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of Pannonia with 5 Partners from 5 different countries who discussed besides financial, dissemination, QA and management issues the overall process and the main milestones of the project. Assoc. prof. dr. Rasa Pranskūnienė from Bioeconomy Development (Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) has attended the face to face meeting. Prof. dr. Vilma Atkočiūnienė from Bioeconomy Development Faculty (Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) has attended the meeting virtually.

The general goal of the project is to develop environmental awareness among university students and to spread the thought of sustainable development among the widest possible age groups at events that attract large audience. We committed to develop an innovative online course material and to mainstream sustainable development in all curricula for higher education students. Recognizing the convincing power of young influencers, the project aims to reach out to all age groups of audience at cultural events and festivals in the various European Capitals of Culture to encourage environmentally conscious activity and to be active members and beneficiaries of sustainable development. Furthermore, our goal is to equip students with communication tools and sustainable attitude to become effective advocates for advancing EU green economy and culture.

Lectures by Visiting Professor Baiba Rivža

We kindly invite you to participate in the lectures of the visiting lecturer prof. dr. Baiba Rivza. The topic is “New Trends in Bioeconomy and Rural Development”. The lectures will be held online on March 14-25, 2022.

Registration and detailed lecture schedule here.

FARMdb – the first result of the international ERASMUS+ project „Fostering Agriculture Rural Development and Land Management” (FARM)

The Department of Business and Rural Development Management of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of Agriculture Academy of Vytautas Magnus University is one of the partners at the international ERASMUS+ project „Fostering Agriculture Rural Development and Land Management” (FARM), which is coordinated by the lead partner Harz University of Applied Sciences. Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT; Spain), University of Cyprus (UCY; Cyprus), Association for Internationalization of Education and Science (INTER-EDU; North Macedonia) are actively involved partners. Currently, the first goal of the project has been implemented – the web-based Dashboard/Map called FARM^db has been developed.

FARM^db (Fostering Agriculture Rural Development and Land Management) is a systematic overview of existing ICT DSS tools in ARD that support crop and livestock, precision farming, climate and quality control and farm management.

The primary function of the FARM^db is designed to provide comprehensive information of DSS tools used for agriculture in the Europe. The FARM^db provides basic information about the decision support systems, developer, and main content of it. The FARM^db is designed for filtering of information based on country or category including soil management, climate change, water management, economic aspects, and others. An important information and data points are effectively presented in a limited space where the user can find the information about the content of the DSS tools, distribution of DSS hotspots and DSS hotspot interactive map in which the data for DSS tools provided together with the link and place where the DSS tool has been developed.

As a tool, the FARM^db is useful for farmers, consultants, and other stakeholders. By using it, they can explore, discover and update the data over time. If information is missing or changing, the FARM^db can be easily modified – the users can actively update the information.

By using the FARM^db, the apps, maps and other items can be shared with the public. Users can access and visualize the data spatially by using the web maps and apps that can be accessed from anywhere at any time. Farmers and other stakeholders can collect, analyse, share the agriculture data with ArcGIS and ease the decision-making process. For example, farmers can check the type and quality of the soil and use this information in their plans for crops cultivation. It helps them to achieve increased, but sustainable production and lead to reduced costs by enabling better management of land resources.

The usability of the FARM^db is it’s reliable and intuitive interface. The FARM^db displays multiple visualizations that can work together on a single screen and allows users like farmers, agricultural consultants, regional planners, policy makers, students etc. visually compare and find relationships between the data across the different natural spaces and administrative territories. It represents a dynamic tool which identifies recent digital decision support systems and helps to develop sustainable and economically sound farm-related future plans dedicated to crop cultivation, fertilization, sophisticated water management strategies etc.

Link to the FARM^db tool here.

Link to the project FARM website here.

Erasmus+ project “Viability of small farms managed by young farmers under new “farm-to-fork” strategy”

The International Consortium succeeded in the 2020 call of the Erasmus + program, key action – Strategic partnerships in higher education. Czech University of Life Science in Prague together with the partners succeeded in a project “Viability of small farms managed by young farmers under new “farm-to-fork” strategy” (Grant agreement: 2020-1-CZ01-KA203-078495) focused on the long-term viability of small farms managed by young farmers in the context of the new EU strategy “From farm-to-fork”, which is part of the ambitious Green Deal for Europe.

The target group of the project is young farmers, students of agricultural and rural development study programs and the professional society in the agricultural and food sector. The project will identify and describe examples of good practice that will inspire, increase motivation undertake farming activities, enable new and experienced farmers to operate, produce higher value-added products, generate higher incomes, reduce administrative burdens, choose a short supply chain strategy and more.

The content of the project includes the characteristics of small farms managed by young farmers, the definition of their functions (economic, industrial, technical, social, cultural and ecological), the assessment of the situation of farms at national and international level, the characteristics of critical risk points and risk reduction strategies. The impact of changes in agricultural policy and legislation on the activities of individual entities will be simulated by a software solution developed by the Project partners.

The international team will prepare an overview and evaluation of the current and new Agricultural and Rural Development policies of the consortium countries for young farmers on small farms. Examples of good practice will be presented in collaboration across the food value chain to contribute to the long-term viability of farms. Electronic tools will be developed to enable effective economic planning and decision-making.

In the project participating university partners from Poland (Poznan University of Life Sciences), Slovakia (Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra), Lithuania (Vytautas Magnus University) and Hungary (University of Szeged) are participating in the project. The connection of the academic with the practice is provided by associations representing young farmers – the Young Agrarians Society of the Czech Republic, the Polish Związek Młodzieży Wiejskiej and the Association of Slovakian Young Farmers (ASYF).

Lithuanian partnership and activities in the project is being developed by Vytautas Magnus University, Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, Department of Business and Rural Development Management, researchers Dr. Vilma Atkočiūnienė, Dr. Jurgita Zaleckienė and Dr. Ilona Kiaušienė.

The visit of Lithuanian partners to Turkey

The Faculty of Agriculture of Eskişehir Osmangazi University (ESOGU) in Turkey was visited by the researchers from Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) and Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) as a part of the cooperation project entitled “Investigating New Partnerships Between Lithuania and Turkey: Building around Bioeconomy and the EU Green Deal” on 22-26 November, 2021. The Lithuanian team consisted of researchers from VMU AA and KTU, as well as agri-business and agricultural advisory representatives.

The project aimed at building the understanding of the context of the EU Green Deal with particular attention to bioeconomy in agriculture and food sectors, searching for possible partnerships between Lithuania and Turkey through project activities. In this context, the visit had a two-fold goal: to participate with presentations in the workshop “Bioeconomy and European Green Deal Workshop” and to learn about the activities of the Faculty of Agriculture of ESOGU and ATAP (Anatolian Technology Research Park (ATAP).

The first working day (23 November) in Eskisehir was dedicated to meeting with the Dean and project team at the Faculty of Agriculture and the academic staff of the Faculty. During this event, all departments of the Faculty of Agriculture were presented with the main focus placed on research, active projects, and possibilities of collaboration.

In the afternoon of 23 November, the Lithuanian team visited the ATAP. Dr. Sedat TELCEKEN, the general manager of the ATAP, shared information about activities of ATAP, established companies, resources, and R&D. The Eskisehir Design and Innovation Center (EDIC) was introduced to all the visitors by Dr. Kastytis Gečas, a Lithuanian and the project team leader who is currently leading the team of consultants in the foundation and service development of the EDIC. The Lithuanian visitors enjoyed all the discussions and information related to the ATAP.

In the morning of 24 November, the workshop “Bioeconomy and European Green Deal Workshop” took place at the modern hall of the Faculty of Agriculture, gathering researchers, representatives of agri-bussiness sector, and policy-makers.

The workshop was opened with welcome speeches by Prof Dr. Yusuf Ersoy Yıldırım, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, ESOGÜ and Pro. Dr. Astrida Miceikienė, Chancellor of Agriculture Academy, VMU AA, Rūta Hanagasi, a representative from the Lithuanian Embassy to Turkey, and Prof Dr. Rıfat Edizkan, Vice Rector of ESOGÜ. Prof. Dr. Handan Giray, the project leader, introduced the project activities, aim, and goals. Her colleague Assoc. Prof. Utku Avcı then made an overview of the Green Deal. The first part of the workshop was ended by presentation by Adil Yüksel Perkin, Ahmet Berkay Bulutcu (DG EU and Foreign Relations, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry), who spoke about what had been done for the Green Deal in Turkey so far.

After the coffee break, Lithuanian team made their scientific contribution in the context of bioeconomy and the Green Deal. Dr. Laura Girdžiūtė, Head of the Innovation Support Service of the Lithuanian Agricultural Advisory Service (LAAS), and researchers from VMU AA Prof Dr. Astrida Miceikienė and Assoc. Prof Dr. Anastasija Novikova presented good practice of cooperation between the Lithuanian institutions in developing the bioeconomy in Lithuania: the cases of VMU and LAAS. Service Development Manager at UAB Baltic Agro Machinery Assoc. Prof Dr. Antanas Juostas and Prof Dr. Egidijus Šarauskis, VMU AA, presented the scientific and practical experience in artificial intelligence in agriculture. Assoc. Prof Dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė, VMU AA, also a Member of the European Commission Mission Board Soli Health and Food, introduced the audience to the role of the European Mission Soil Health and Food in achieving Green Deal and UN-SDGs. The last presenter from VMU AA, Assoc. Prof Dr. Anželika Dautartė, spoke about increasing climate ambitions focusing on ecosystems and biodiversity. The colleagues from KTU, Dr. Alvija Šalaševičienė and Aelita Zabulionė held discussion on the topic “Food as Preventative Measure? From Nutrient Profiles till Restriction of Nutrition and Health Claims on Food” and highlighted the challenges and lessons learned of designing meat analogues.

25 November was the last working day of the project partners. The steering committee of the project met to sum up all activities during the project and drafted the plans for future collaboration.

The project is funded under the Lithuanian Development Cooperation and Democracy Promotion Programme

The visit of Turkish partners in Lithuania

Researchers from Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) are implementing the cooperation project “Investigating New Partnerships Between Lithuania and Turkey Building around Bioeconomy and the EU Green Deal” with researchers from (ESOGU), Turkey.

The project aims to understand the context of the EU Green Deal with particular attention to bioeconomy in agriculture and food sectors, to search possible partnerships between Lithuania and Turkey through project activities. Project activities include identifying future project ideas, investigating possible call and funds, as well as technology transfer and good practice exchange.

The first meeting in person of partners took place at VMU AA from 20 September to 24 of September. Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy hosted the visit of 7 researchers from Faculty of Agriculture of ESOGU and 2 representatives from agricultural business sector in Eskisehir.

On 21st of September, all partners participated in the Plenary Session of 10th International Scientific Conference ‘Rural Development 2021: Challenges for Sustainable Bioeconomy and Climate Change’, Business and Science Forum. The evening programme was finished with the Gala Dinner at Raudondvaris Manor Arts Incubator, where guests enjoyed the beautiful Lithuanian music and interesting discussions.

September 22nd was dedicated to the Meeting of Development Cooperation Project Partners for Lithuania and Turkey and participation in Parallel sessions of the 10th International Scientific Conference ‘Rural Development 2021: Challenges for Sustainable Bioeconomy and Climate Change’. Prof. Handan Giray presented her research in the Social Research for Sustainable Bioeconomy and Climate Change parallel session Presentation title: Evolution of Rural Development in Turkey, and Prof. Yusuf Ersoy Yıldırım presented his research in the Biosystems Engineering and Environment Integrity parallel session. His presentation title was“ Climate Change Effects on Water Resources in Konya Basin in Turkey”.

During the Meeting of Development Cooperation Project Partners for Lithuania and Turkey, the project leader Prof. Handan Giray presented the aim and goals of the project as well as the expected outcomes. The researchers of VMU AA made presentations about different departments of VMU AA. The Chancellor of VMU AA, prof. dr. Astrida Miceikiene gave an opening speech wishing all partners fruitful meeting, discussions and ideas for future collaboration. The general presentation of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy with the focus on studies and study programmes was made by International coordinator Ekaterina Makrickiene. The head of Communication and Technology Transfer Center Edvinas Samys spoke about the main VMU projects, activities and the best practices in collaboration with business. Short presentations of VMU AA faculties were presented by representatives of all VMU AA faculties. Assoc. prof. dr. Zita Kriaučiūnienė presented the main activities of Agronomy Faculty, prof. dr. Egidijus Šarauskis and assoc. prof. dr. Rytis Skominas spoke about the Faculty of Engineering, the Lithuanian coordinator of the project assoc. prof. Dr. Anastasija Novikova presented the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development , and assoc. prof. dr. Daiva Silekiene made a presentation about Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology. After all presentations, it was identified that both institutions have common research areas, same study programmes, therefore it gave a good start for future collaboration as well.

September 23rd was the last working day for the project partners. On this day, the International Agricultural Exhibition “Ką pasėsi…” was visited. Partners from Turkey found useful contacts for future collaboration during this exhibition. The main themes of the exhibition were agricultural machinery; crop processing and storage equipment; seeds, plant protection products and fertilizers; digital technologies for agriculture; products and equipment for livestock and poultry farming and aquaculture. The exhibition was the last point of the visit. Partners agreed that the visit of Lithuanian team to Turkey will be on 22-26 of November.

The project is funded under the Lithuanian Development Cooperation and Democracy Promotion Programme

Project „RURALYOUTH” transnational partners meeting in Lithuania

The first face to face transnational meeting of partners in the Erasmus+ Strategic Partnerships for youth project “Empowering rural tourism through entreprenuership with youth” (acronym RURALYOUTH) finnaly happend. It took place in 23-24 of November and was hosted by Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania) adn organised by assoc. prof. Rasa Pranskūnienė from Bioeconomy Development Faculty together with Daiva Bukšnienė, director of Lukšiai Culture Centre, Šakiai district.

Meeting has been organised not only as face to face meeting, but as well as online meeting. The meeting was attended by representatives of 6 project partners, including: project coordinator: Eskisehir Osmangazi University (Turkey) and project partners: Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (Slovakia), University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland), Eskisehir Metropolitan Municipality (Turkey), ProEduca z.s. (Czech Republic). Face to face meeting partners coming fromꓽ Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Eskisehir Osmangazi University (Turkey), University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland), ProEduca z.s. (Czech Republic) had possibility to enjoy the first snow. During the meeting partners have shared their institutional presentations, as well the representants of consortium discussed the ongoing project activities and the training program being prepared, as well as worked on a plan for future project activities.

The project, which has a 24 month implementation period, forms a lifelong education system for tourism students, who would like to be the entrepreneurs in rural areas. The project creates actions to improve knowledge of agricultural, touristic, rural, cultural and entrepreneurship among young people and will prevent miss-match for tourism students. With this project, which was formed with 6 partners, it was aimed to support the development of rural areas, to support lifelong learning, to increase awareness of the nationality through education and technology-based distance education model and to develop action plans in line with the European Youth Strategy.

We are very happy and especially grateful to Lukšiai Culture Centre, hotel „Zyplių dvaro oficina“, restoran „Kuchmistrai” and Šakiai district Lukšiai municipality for the memorable experiences and possibility to have this meeting at Zypliai Manor.

4th meeting of the Smartrural project

Assoc. prof. dr. Rasa Pranskūnienė and assoc. prof. dr. Aušra Rūtelionė from Bioeconomy Development Faculty (Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania) have attended the face to face meeting of partners in the Erasmus + KA203 “SMARTRURAL” project at Pegaso University, Italy. Thus, 4th meeting of the SMARTRURAL project (Erasmus + KA203 project – Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education Towards smart rural tourism development in Europe) took place on 3rd and 4th of November 2021 in Naples. It was hosted by the University Pegaso (Italy). Partners from 7 academic units in Europe came together to summarize the project activities such as online course, best practices, promotion and dissemination works.

There was also a Multipier Event for an international audience, hosted by colleagues from Pegaso University on 4th of November 2021. The next Multiplier Events disseminating the project and promoting the course on the Moodle platform will take place in partner countries, Spain, Poland, Turkey, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia at the end of November and in December 2021.