Teachers from the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development visited the University of Warmia and Mazury in Poland.

In May 2024, from the 13th to the 18th, Associate Professors Dr. Anastasija Novikova and Dr. Erika Besusparienė had a unique opportunity to visit the University of Warmia and Mazury, carrying out an Erasmus+ teaching visit. During this visit, the teachers had the chance to share their knowledge and experience with the university students and academic staff.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anastasija Novikova delivered lectures on the fundamentals and benefits of bioeconomy for society, focusing on environmental issues. She first overviewed the history of environmental action programs from their inception to the implementation of the European Green Deal, discussing the main objectives. She also explained the Bioeconomy Strategy to the students, revealing the importance of bioeconomy development, key concepts from different perspectives, and discussed the main principles of bioeconomy. Finally, students actively participated in an interactive knowledge assessment game about bioeconomy and environmental issues, which they successfully completed.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erika Besusparienė delivered lectures on Green Accounting. She emphasized the concept of Green Accounting and its integration into traditional financial and management accounting systems. Dr. E. Besusparienė highlighted the problem of environmental costs and investments often being hidden within general costs, stressing the need for companies to separate these environmental costs for more accurate reporting to stakeholders. During the lectures, Dr. E. Besusparienė engaged students in a discussion about internal and external environmental costs, using practical examples. Students, utilizing interactive tools, shared various examples of environmental costs and provided observations.

The lecturers also had an excellent opportunity to familiarize themselves with the university campus and visit a business exhibition organized for students to engage with businesses.

Furthermore, the teachers had discussions with the head of Department of Economic Policy and dean of the Faculty of Economic Sciences. The possibilities for collaboration in preparations of common proposals and publications between Lithuanian and Polish scientists were discussed. This visit provided an opportunity not only to share knowledge with the university community but also to promote international cooperation and partnership in this important field.

Representatives of the VMU MBA “Customs Process Management” Participated in the 10th Conference of the Customs Practitioners Association

On 23-24 May, the 10th anniversary conference of the Customs Practitioners Association was held in Vilnius, bringing together representatives from business, academia, customs and other institutions. This year’s conference focused on customs reform and its impact on customs systems, as well as digitalization.

The conference was attended by Dr. Erika Besusparienė, Chairperson of the study programme “Customs Process Management” committee at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), and lecturer Kristina Gesevičienė. They were accompanied by students from the programme representing various companies. The conference was organised by the head of the Customs Practitioners Association, Enrika Naujokė, who is also a member of the study programme “Customs Process Management” committee.

Gertrūda Bakšienė, a student of the VMU MBA “Customs Process Management”, who is the coordinator of the Customs Brokers Group and an authorised representative of UPS in Lithuania UAB “Skubios siuntos”, shared her insights on business challenges related to the implementation of new customs systems. She emphasised that while digitalisation and technological change pose many challenges, they also offer new opportunities for more efficient and faster customs processes, especially when working in cooperation with customs.

The conference discussed key aspects of customs reform, including the impact of technological innovation on customs procedures, the readiness of businesses for these changes, and the role of intermediaries in the digitalization process. Participants had the opportunity to listen to presentations, participate in discussions, and exchange experiences and best practices. The event highlighted the continuous changes ahead and the lack of knowledge in this transformation of customs reform, emphasising the need to improve skills.

Organised for the 10th time, the conference of the Customs Practitioners Association is becoming an increasingly important event that addresses the most relevant issues in customs operations and business co-operation. This year’s event once again confirmed that successful customs process management requires constant dialogue between business, academia and institutional representatives. To ensure a smooth adaptation to new systems and changes, it is essential to invest in the improvement of professional skills, which is successfully offered by the VMU MBA “Customs Process Management”. We look forward to welcoming those who are interested and ready to join our growing community.

Visit under the “Erasmus+” programme for staff at Yerevan State University

During 6-10th May, assoc. prof. of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy, Faculty of Bioeconomy Development assoc. prof. dr. Daiva Makutėnienė visited Yerevan State University in Armenia as a part of the “Erasmus+” programme for staff. She gave lectures on the topics of bioeconomy and circular bioeconomy to the students of the first cycle of the 3rd year of Faculty of Economics and Management, and shared their good examples in Lithuania. The docent also introduced VMU Agriculture Academy and Faculty of Bioeconomy Development to the students, the study programs, and invited them to come and study at the university. She discussed with the dean of the faculty and colleagues about the peculiarities of studies, the possibilities of cooperation, and visited the university library.

SKILLS Multiplier Event

“SKILLS”, namely “Strengthening Key Competences in Agriculture for Value Chain Knowledge” (2021-1-EL01-KA220-HED-000023289), is an Erasmus+ Project regarding “Cooperation partnerships in higher education”, coordinated by the Department of Food Science and Nutrition of the University of the Aegean, Greece.

The SKILLS project pioneers Circular Agriculture in the EU, vital for sustainable farming. It modernizes agricultural education, promotes green skills, and aligns practices with EU regulations. Through research and stakeholder engagement, SKILLS enhances curricula, fosters partnerships, and drives sustainability.

Join us in shaping a greener future for agriculture through SKILLS.

Beneficiaries of SKILLS project are current and prospective students of agriculture sector, agricultural producers, local agricultural associations, consultants, local community leaders, policymakers and Ministry of Economics and Innovations, Ministry of Education representatives

You may be part of SKILLS Multiplier Event which is organized by the Project Consortium coordinated by the Department of Food Science and Nutrition of the University of the Aegean:

Thursday 23^rd May 2024, 10:00 am UTC+2 (EET)

Presentations: University of the Aegean – Pantelidio, Myrina, Lemnos

Online Attendance via Zoom: https://aegean-gr.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqd–gpjssHNQCuiSQBWwCV-3iU_g5huZX.

PROGRAMME

Attendance certificates will be provided.

More information – SKILLS website: https://www.euskills.info/

Financed by the European Union. The European commision support for the production does not constitute an endorsment for the contents which reflects the views only of the authors and the commision cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Erasmus+ visit of French rural development practitioners

A visit by professional practitioners from France under the Erasmus+ programme, which supported a full week (06 03 2024 to 09 03 2024) of lectures at the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, Department of Business and Rural Development Management, field research and workshops in Valkininkai, Varėna district.

6 of March was dedicated to lectures. Jocya Bade, from the youth and adult vocational training institution MFR Richerenches, and Thierry Leroux, a resident of the village of Saint Marguerit Lafigere and vice-mayor of the local municipality, shared with the large gathering of undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, as well as with the researchers, their practical experience of developing a micro-area by means of experimenting with the participatory learning approach, an innovative way of transferring knowledge and competences. The detailed and visual presentation, open and interactive communication showed the participants the implementation and development side of the three-year rural change management and locality project, the development side, the impact on territorial development, and the possibilities of continuity.

On 7 of March, field research and workshops were held in and around Valkininkai small town.

Three groups of researchers carried out historical, socio-economic and natural heritage exploratory research on the town of Valkininkai and its surroundings, forming a team of creative researchers looking for territorial solutions.

Since early morning, the first group of the project researchers, led by Valdas Kavaliauskas, together with the guests from France Jocya Bade, an expert in environmental protection and biodiversity, and Thierry Leroux, the vice-mayor of the Sainte-Marguerite-Lafigère municipality, travelled around collecting data, trying to speak to the people of Valkininkai, to answer the question – “What are the Valkininkai forests, rivers and lakes telling us”.

The second group of researchers, consisting of MSc students in Rural Development Administration and participants of the Horizont program ENABLES project and local community leaders, carried out a field study on social infrastructure facilities and economic actors. The researchers were assisted by Danutė Blažiulionienė, the chairperson of the community organisation, and Jolanta Molienė, the manager of the cultural centre, to get to know Valkininkai. Collecting data, they visited the Valkininkai Cultural Centre, the library, the church, the community centre and the small town square.

During lunch, the two research groups discussed their findings and shared their impressions in the open air, at the White Mountain campsite in Užuperkasy. After lunch, the two research groups joined together for group work. They visited the social infrastructure and economy of Valkininkai, looking for signs of sustainability, social, economic and environmental links, elements of rural development, interacted with business representatives, listened to their experiences and challenges.

In the afternoon, the third research group “History of Valkininkai”, led by historian dr. Žygimantas Buržinskas, started.

In the evening, all three research groups and the local community met at the Valkininkai Cultural Centre for a workshop: to discuss the data collected, and to look for ways and means to strengthen the vitality of the area. Prof. Dr. Vilma Atkočiūnienė shared her experience on how she managed to “speak” Valkininkai, gave her insights on the observed spaces, social infrastructure objects, and offered suggestions on how to solve social, marketing and economic issues, as well as on how to meet the challenges of development of the area.

The historian dr. Žygimantas Buržinskas spoke about the historical significance of the region and looked for possible links with the present.

Jocya Bade, together with the research group “What Valkininkai forests, rivers, lakes are telling us”, presented their insights into the strengths and weaknesses in the fields of environment, biodiversity, and the opportunities and threats of the current situation. Jocya stressed the importance of integrating natural sciences into the education system and shared her experience from France.

During the discussion, dr. Audronė Ispiryan highlighted the common challenges in biodiversity and the ways to address them through ongoing projects. Using the Horizon ENABLES (Education and Nature Based Solutions) project as an example, she discussed with researchers and local community members the current challenges in Europe in these areas. All participants actively participated in the discussions, offered their insights and observations, and consulted foreign practitioners, professionals and scientists on the development of the Valkininkai region, tasting local traditional cuisine.

8 and 9 of March were devoted to the territorial analysis of Norvydiškės village and discussion of the results of the visit.

The steering group of the ” Pameistrių namai” place making project, together with its French partners, discussed the project’s prerequisites and possibilities, as well as the experience of building wood-burning stoves and managing the forest with horses. These experiences are relevant in the forested and mountainous area of Saint Marguerite Lafigere.

Valdas Kavaliauskas, a Master’s student in the Rural Development Administration programme, was one of the most active in initiating and organising the visit of the internship professionals to Lithuania. We would also like to share his reflections. “After our experiential visit to Saint Marguerit in November 2023 and the material presented by Jocy and Thierry during their visit on 6-9 March 2024, the relationship between people (permanent residents, migrants and tourists) and the territory, through a sense of ‘attachment’ and ownership of cultural and natural heritage, seemed to me is of particular importance for micro territorial development. And how does this lead to mobilisation or passivity, or complete indifference to the development of a place?” – Valdas Kavaliauskas said.

V. Kavaliauskas also noted that “there is a deep-seated desire on Thierry’s part to change this relationship and to re-establish (or create) a mutually mobilising relationship. He sees in this the meaningfulness of the participation of the students of the J. Bade School and of us, future professionals of Rural Development in Lithuania, to positively “destabilise” the negative atmosphere from the outside and to find a common point de passage to create a meaningful future. Very similar issues are present in the villages and small towns of our country, and during the workshop in Valkininkai (Varėnos district) this was very evident in the interactions with the local population. J. Bade, as a particularly talented and sensitive educator, shows us the development of the transfer of knowledge, understanding and practical application of competences and the development of personal-value education of young people. She gives meaning to this process”.

Through workshops, discussions with the local community and foreign practitioners, directions for further and more detailed research of the local area were identified. During the discussion of the visit, the following directions for further possible cooperation emerged: to build on the experience of French colleagues to develop the theme of practical transfer of skills and competences; to participate in the Erasmus programme. Erasmus mobility visits are foreseen: a visit of postgraduate students and researchers from the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of the Academy of Agriculture, VMU in Saint Marguerite Lafiger (autumn 2025); a visit of the MFR youth group in Valkininki (2024); a visit of the MFR youth group in Valkininkai (2024). Autumn); cooperation in the study of micro-territorial development experience – Master’s thesis research in the areas of Valkininkai and Saint Marguerit Lafigere (Erasmus learning and postgraduate practice) (2024–2025–2026); development of a technological heritage exchange programme between the two areas (Erasmus internships, mobility projects 2025–2026).

SEMINAR Innovative research in agriculture and environmental engineering for the bioeconomy development

The Bioeconomy Research Center of Excellence (BioTEC) of the Academy of Agriculture of the Vytautas Magnus University invites teachers, researchers, doctoral students and students to participate in the seminar: Innovative research in agriculture and environmental engineering for the bioeconomy development.

Date: 2024 May 9 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION

THE PROGRAM

Join the pre-seminar remotely HERE

VMU Agriculture Academy 100 years anniversary celebration. You are welcome to one day festival!

This year, Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy is celebrating its 100 years anniversary. We kindly invite all members, alumni, and friends on May 18 to participate in the 100th years anniversary celebration. It is a one day festival that will take place in nature, in the VMU Agriculture Academy park in front of the Central building. There will be plenty of dancing, music and laughter!

We aim to create a celebration where every participant will find a place. The guests of the event will be delighted by the performances of children’s, students’ and senior national dance groups, the “Subtilus” group, and the whole day’s festival will be crowned by the festive concert of the famous lithuanian singer Mantas Jankavičiaus! In addition to amazing performances on stage, festival participants will also have other entertainment – the celebration will start with the 100th anniversary run-walk, there will be an area for children’s entertainment, a rest area for students, alumni and graduates of the Academy are invited to register for the Green Dinner. Event participants will also be invited to visit the representative area of VMU Agriculture Academy faculties and the sports /entertainment area, where one can get a prize!

Registration for the festive VMU Agriculture Academy 100th anniversary walk-run

A 1,924-meter-long walking-running track on the academic campus is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the VMU Agriculture Academy. The first 100 registered participants will receive a historic running shirt!

Registration for the Green Dinner

We invite you to meet your group / coursemates and register for the Green Dinner, where participants will have the opportunity to share memories and chat. In the registration form, please indicate your contacts and how many people from your group plan to come, and the event organizers will take care of ordering a table where you will have the opportunity to bring food, communicate and listen to the concert. Registration is open until May 10.

Registration for the excursions

We invite you to visit the premises of VDU ŽŪA and take part in a tour of the most interesting places of VDU ŽŪA! In the registration form, please indicate your contacts and which faculties and auditoriums you would like to visit during the event. The program and time of the VDU ŽŪA excursion will be indicated in the near future. All information will be provided by e-mail to those who have registered. by post Registration is open until May 10.

THE EVENT PROGRAM

Logistics and Commerce students visited UAB “Tomegris”

The students of the Logistics and Commerce study program of the Bioeconomy Development Faculty of the Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Agriculture Academy visited UAB “Tomegris”. The main specialization of the company is the organization and implementation of oversized cargo transportation. Students were introduced to the challenges and opportunities of logistics activities, modern trends and company changes during the company’s lifetime.

Students were also presented with opportunities to apply for internships and work positions.

The meeting and tour of the company was led by Inga Sušinskienė, UAB “Tomegris” personnel manager. It was organized by the lecturers of the Bioeconomy Development Faculty of VMU Agriculture Academy Lect. Dr. Mindaugas Samuolaitis and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milita Vienažindienė.

VMU AA Autumn Intake 2024/2025 is open (extended application deadline). Apply now!

Would like to gain strong knowledge, solid skills, and invaluable international experience? Thinking about an unforgettable European student adventure and traveling the world?

Top-quality studies in a high-ranking university and living in Kaunas – located in the center of Europe – may be the perfect combination for You.

Your lifetime adventure can start now. With VMU Agriculture Academy.

Autumn Intake 2024/2025 study programmes:

Semester starts: September 1, 2024

Application deadlines:

June 1: For applicants from non-EU/EFTA countries (excluding countries listed below)

July 1: For applicants from EU/EFTA countries and citizens of visa-free countries including Albania, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Sakartvelo, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Moldova, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States, Ukraine, Venezuela.

Information about Application and Admission Procedures

Information about Scholarships

APPLY HERE

Contact person: VMU Agriculture Academy International Coordinator Ekaterina Makrickiene ekaterina.makrickiene@vdu.lt +370 37 752 386

More information about VMU Agriculture Academy study programmes

THE 3RD MEETING OF SAFEHABITUS PROJECT PARTNERS AND PARTICIPATION IN THE SAFEHABITUS POLICY SEMINAR – “SEASONAL AND MIGRANT WORKERS IN AGRI-FOOD VALUE CHAINS”

Researchers Dr. Laura Girdžiūtė, Dr. Anastasija Novikova and Dr. Gediminas Vasiliauskas from Vytautas Magnus University’s Agriculture Academy participated in the third SafeHabitus project’s meeting and SafeHabitus Policy Seminar – “Seasonal and migrant workers in agri-food value chains” from April 9 to 11, 2024.

Safehabitus seminar gathered more than 50 representatives from different European Union countries and institutions who shared their experience and knowledge about the relevant questions regarding the work in agriculture.

The aim of this seminar was to develop a strategic approach to address these challenges in a systematic and forward-looking way involving both policymakers and stakeholders at the EU level and to share the outcomes of the seminar with the EU agri-food Strategic Dialogue.

This Policy Workshop also was dedicated to synthesize the latest and most relevant scientific research and practical insights from a wide variety of stakeholders. It facilitated debate and sharing of perspectives among those actors and European policymakers directly involved on issues related to labour standards and living and working conditions of migrant and seasonal workers. By gathering the latest evidence, we seek to provide policymakers with the knowledge and evidence needed to drive positive change.

The policy seminar was part of a series of policy seminars designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among policy makers, stakeholders, practitioners, and researchers. It has been organised by SafeHabitus consortium members IAMZ CIHEAM, TEAGASC, GEOPA, CEJA and AEIDL.