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.

Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme for undergraduate and postgraduate students “ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE: TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY”

On 18-22 March 2024, the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of Vytautas Magnus University organised an intensive training course for foreign students under the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Accounting and Finance: towards Sustainability”.

The aim of this training was to deepen and broaden students’ specialised knowledge in the areas of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, environmental management accounting, sustainable financing, and to develop students’ competence in assessing financial aspects of sustainability.

The training was attended by 16 students from the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technology and Estonian University of Life Sciences.

During the intensive training, students learned what role green finance plays in greening the economy and what is the relationship between corporate social responsibility and the cost of capital, which is characteristic of green bonds. The teachers introduced them to which companies must prepare sustainability reports, what requirements are imposed on them, and based on which criteria they must be analyzed and evaluated. During the training, students discussed the topic of green accounting, learned to identify environmental costs, plan and evaluate them, learned what role taxes play in promoting the sustainability of the country’s economy, as well as the impact of agro-environmental subsidies on ecological efficiency.

The participants not only had the opportunity to discuss these and similar topics during the lectures, but at the end of the training they could present their point of view and the results of the group work on the topics suggested by the teachers.

The program was taught by 4 teachers from the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of VMU Agricultural Academy – prof. dr. Vilija Aleknevičienė, assoc.prof. dr. Erika Besusparienė, lect. Asta Bendoraitytė and lect. Kristina Gesevičienė, as well as 3 teachers from Erasmus+ partner universities – lect. dr. Alona Irmeja and lect. Laila Kelmere from the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies and lect. dr. Maire Nurmet from the University of Tartu.

An important part of these intensive studies was acquainting participants with examples of the best practices. During the intensive training week, the participants of the program went on an educational excursion to the 700 ha farm “Farmers circle”. Here, the training participants were introduced to the principles of sustainable business practiced on the farm: “Farmers circle” sells the produce grown at farmers’ markets, and the farm operates a restaurant with seasonal dishes made from local products. During the farm tour and local tastings of the local products, students had the opportunity to get a closer look at examples of sustainable use of resources, organizational structure of sustainable business and the practical application of sustainability ideas.

This Erasmus+ BIP program was coordinated by associate professor of the Department of Applied Economics, Finance and Accounting dr. Dalia Juočiūnienė and the international coordinator of the VMU Agricultural Academy dr. Monika Medikienė.

14th international scientific conference “Accounting and Finance for Business 2024: Towards Sustainability”

Traditionally, an accounting and finance conference is organised every two years at the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA). The 14th international scientific conference “Accounting and Finance for Business 2024: Towards Sustainability” will be organised in the year of the 100th anniversary of the VMU Agriculture Academy.

The role of the VMU Agriculture Academy in promoting sustainability is irreplaceable and fundamental. The relationship between the VMU Agriculture Academy and sustainability is very important and relevant because the agricultural sector has been directly related to many aspects of sustainability, therefore since 1924. Since the establishment of the Agriculture Academy, accounting and financial studies have been carried out, as well as research contributing to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. These efforts have become important steps towards the sustainability of the agricultural sector, and as we continue to develop the topic of sustainability, we continue the scientific and practical discussions about the importance of accounting and finance in all organisations.

Today, as society becomes more concerned with issues such as climate change, social responsibility, and sustainability, accounting and finance are becoming increasingly important. But what exactly does sustainability mean in these areas? And why is it becoming such a critical issue? We invite you to join us on 14-15 November 2024 at the 14th international scientific conference “Accounting and Finance for Business 2024: Towards Sustainability”, so that we can search for answers together. The Accounting and Finance Conference will be organised remotely. The conference will be held in English.

Sustainability is one of the biggest challenges facing companies and organisations today. It means responsibility not only to shareholders, but also to society and the environment. As climate change, social responsibility, and other environmental issues become more relevant to accounting and finance, accounting and finance must become part of this sustainability movement.

Sustainability accounting and finance enables organisations to measure the social and environmental benefits they deliver. This includes not only economic aspects, but also social and environmental impacts. This is an integral part of sustainability. We believe that accounting and finance can and must contribute to business coherence and sustainable development. It is not only science but also practice that has an increasingly important role to play.

On the second day of the conference, the panel presentations and discussion session “Linking sustainability policy to future finance and accounting” will be held, where we hope to find many important answers.

Early registration is now open for participants until 3 June 2024. A reduced participation fee will apply to those who wish to make an oral message or submit a pre-recorded presentation message by 3 June 2024. Registration for presenters will open until 7 October 2024, and for listeners until 7 November 2024. There is no fee for listeners.

More information about the 14th international scientific conference “Accounting and Finance for Business 2024: Towards Sustainability” and key deadlines available on the conference website https://afk.vdu.lt/

Join us at the 2024 Conference and contribute to important discussions that can change the world of business!

The Organising Committee of the International Scientific Conference “Accounting and Finance for Business 2024: Towards Sustainability”

New knowledge and experienced skills in ERASMUS BIP courses “Sustainability Pressure Cooker” at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

During 11–15 March, lecturers of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, prof. dr. V. Atkočiūnienė and assoc. prof. dr. G. Vaznonienė, and 7 faculty students (4 bachelor students and 3 master students) participated in ERASMUS BIP intensive courses designed to promote and strengthen the digital inclusion of various social groups in the city of Rotterdam by applying the principles of sustainability.

Representatives of the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development had the opportunity to attend lectures and participate in practical sessions related to the application of digital tools to increase the attractiveness of the area. Rotterdam Business School teachers, led by S. Buivys, collaborating together with representatives of the Rotterdam municipality, prepared tasks for the students for the whole week. Teachers and colleagues from Germany, New Zealand, and the Netherlands discussed the use of artificial intelligence in the study process and organising internships; they exchanged experience on how to activate students to participate in the activities of young scientists.

The students who participated in the course were divided into 11 groups and conducted field research in districts of Rotterdam city, prepared group presentations and posters, and on the last day, they made presentations according to the requirements of Pecha-Kucha presentations to a committee consisting of 3 teachers and 3 representatives of the municipality of Rotterdam and participated in question-and-answer sessions. Three groups of students who succeeded in clearly conveying the results of their research were declared winners.