Blended Intensive Programe for bachelor and master students „Sustainable agriculture for rural development“

Blended Intensive Programe (BIP) course for students „Sustainable agriculture for rural development“ organised by the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development on 20-24^th of November, 2023. The program aims to provide an immersive learning experience that combines face-to-face interaction with researchers and professionals with virtual learning activities.

26 students participated in this programme, including the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Estonian University of Life Sciences, the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, and the University of Palermo (Italy).

Students were introduced to the agricultural situation in the context of regional development, green accounting, potential business models for innovative ventures in the food sector, international marketing methods for agricultural food products, logistics, and supply chains during this BIP program. These and other topics were taken during the program’s discussions, and at the end of the intensive week, participants presented their ideas and projects for sustainable rural development in various thematic areas proposed by the program’s teachers.

The program was taught by 4 teachers from the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development of VMU Agricultural Academy – Prof. Dr. Vilma Atkočiūnienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erika Besusparienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rasa Pranskūnienė, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anastasija Novikova, as well as 3 teachers from Erasmus+ partner universities – Prof. Dr. Andra Zvirbule and Prof. Dr. Gunta Grīnberga Zālīte (Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies), and Dr. Anne Poder (Estonian University of Life Sciences).

An important part of the BIP program was acquainting participants with examples of the best practices. An organized visit to the Training farm of VMU Agriculture Academy allowed BIP participants to become familiar with innovative dairy cow care methods used on the farm (such as the use of sprouted grains for feeding, the application of innovative pasture grass technology, and more), which enable achieving exceptional productivity and outstanding milk quality indicators (such as low-fat content, especially low somatic cell and bacterial counts, indicating excellent cow health).

During the BIP, participants also went on an educational excursion to a 700-hectare “Farmers Circle” farm. Here, BIP participants were introduced to the principles of circular economy practiced on the farm: the production grown at “Farmers Circle” is sold at local farmers’ markets, and the farm also operates a restaurant that serves 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 and the practical application of sustainability ideas.

This Erasmus+ BIP program was coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anastasija Novikova and the international coordinator of the VMU Agricultural Academy, Dr. Monika Medikienė.

Christmas Greetings

Learning Platform “Greenfluencer” – Tested!

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’ project funded by the European Union continues with many activities.

Project partners: University of Pannonia (coordinator), Militos Consulting S.A., Vytautas Magnus University, West University of Timisoara, University of Tartu.

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. After the MOOC course development in 2023 Autumn semester, Blended ECoC Greenfluencer pilot course (blended learning: online lessons and offline classroom lessons) at national level at four European Capital of Culture Universities (Tartu, Kaunas, Timisoara and Veszprém) has been held. The aim of the course was to develop individual opinions on green topics based on the course content and to implement an individual, pair or group project on a green topic by participating in an event using a communication tool according to students’ choices.

We are happy to share, that during 2023/2024 fall semester, students of Faculty of Bioeconomy Development had the opportunity to expand their knowledge of “Business Communication” and “Rhetoric and Communication” subjects by deepening their knowledge in the ECoC Greenfluencer pilot course. In addition, students had the opportunity to participate in an event “Reflecting Land Art”, responding to the “Kaunas – European Capital of Culture 2022” Land Art festival.

During spring semester of 2023/2024 school year, students of Faculty of Bioeconomy Development will have one more opportunity to participate in the international MOOC: “ECoC Greenfluencer” course at the University of Tartu.

Join the 4th International Scientific Conference on Sustainable Bioeconomy Development

The 4th International Scientific Conference, “Sustainable Bioeconomy Development 2024: Theory and Practice” is on the horizon, and we extend a warm invitation for you to join this pivotal gathering that is set to redefine the global landscape of social sciences in bioeconomy field.

After the resounding success of our previous conference, where leaders, researchers, and industry practitioners gathered to explore the intricacies of sustainable bioeconomy development, we are excited to announce our upcoming event.

Conference Overview: Date: May 8, 2024

Location: Online

Topics of Scientific Discussions will cover a diverse range of themes crucial to the advancement of sustainable bioeconomy:

Bioeconomy Contribution to the European Green Deal
Role of Innovative, Sustainable, and Inclusive Bioeconomy in the Development of Rural Areas
Logistics and Marketing of Biological Resources and Bioproducts
Innovative Business Solutions in the Bioeconomy

The special Focus Session of the conference will host a dedicated theory and practice synergy session on “Territorial Circular Systemic Solutions for Sustainable Bioeconomy Development,” providing a platform for profound discussions and collaborative exploration of innovative strategies.

The 4th International Scientific Conference, “Sustainable Bioeconomy Development 2024: Theory and Practice” offers an influential platform to engage with cutting-edge research findings, evolving policy landscapes, and industry trends shaping the global bioeconomy. It’s an opportunity to network with diverse perspectives, foster collaborations, and ignite innovative solutions for sustainable bioeconomic development.

Secure your spot at this dynamic gathering by registering for the conference scheduled on May 8, 2024. Take part in an event that nurtures learning, fosters networking, and drives actionable insights toward positive change in the bioeconomy landscape.

Registration is required. Visit our website https://sbd.vdu.lt to register and secure your place at the forefront of sustainable bioeconomy innovation.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Join us in shaping the future of sustainable bioeconomy development.

Warm regards,

Representing the Organizing Committee of the International Scientific Conference on “Sustainable Bioeconomy Development”

VISYFARM project “Viability of small farms managed by young farmers in the context of the Farm to Table strategy” Final conference at the University of Life Sciences in Poznan, Poland

Prof. dr. V. Atkočiūnienė, doc. dr. J. Zaleckienė and doc. Erika Zabulionienė participated in the final conference of the Erasmus+ project VISYFARM “Viability of Small Farms Managed by Young Farmers under New Farm-to-Fork Strategy” (2020-1-CZ01-KA203-078495) at the University of Life Sciences in Poznan (Poland), on 10-11 of November, 2023.

The project is coordinated by the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague and the partners were Poznan University of Life Sciences (Poland), University of Szeged (Hungary), Vytautas Magnus University of Agriculture (Lithuania), Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. The link between science and practice is ensured by the associations representing young farmers: the Czech Association of Young Farmers, the Polish Union of Rural Youth and the Slovak Association of Young Farmers (ASYF).

The Green Deal for Europe’s “Farm to Table” strategy seeks strategic solutions in the agriculture and food supply chain and changes in production to move towards sustainable and low-carbon farming. The strategic objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2021-2027 focus on the viability and resilience of farms and rural areas, the balance of market forces in the food supply chain and competitiveness, and generational change.

An international team has prepared an overview and evaluation of previous and new CAP measures for young farmers running small farms. The good practices collected and analysed help to understand how farms can work together to develop short food supply chains and improve their long-term economic and social situation. Another outcome of the project will be the development of Farming Decision Support Tools using IT.

The plenary session of the final conference of the project included presentations on the participation of small-scale farmers in short food supply chains, and the identification of measures to help farms cope with the challenges posed not only by the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, but also by climate change and increasing uncertainty. Insights were shared on the transformation of food systems, as well as the challenges of smallholder farm viability in the context of farm succession and generational change.

In the second part of the closing conference, representatives from each partner country presented the results achieved by the VISYFARM project. The Polish project partner, Prof. Wawrzyniec Czubak, UPP, presented the role of smallholder farms, which account for a significant proportion (50-65%) of the total number of farms, in the overall rural ecosystem. It was pointed out that young farmers strive to be active and innovative players in the market, to establish themselves and to remain competitive in the market. All the participants of the conference were engaged by the presentation of Prof. Dr. V. Atkočiūnienė, (VMU AA) on the best practices of small farm development in Lithuania. The mobile farm “Bagota ciba”, the farm “Vilkės Farm”, which promotes sustainability in production and love for the environment, and the Šironai family farm, which connects several generations of the family, were presented. The speakers pointed out that there are many opportunities in rural areas, thanks to EU structural and national support measures, European Innovation Partnership initiatives, changing consumer lifestyles, and partnerships between different market players.

The importance of partnerships in organising short food supply chains was discussed by Habil. Dr Kris Krisztián. Cooperation between farmers facilitates business growth, more efficient investment of EU structural support, reduction of operating costs, etc. Although the benefits of partnerships are clear, the involvement and participation in agricultural cooperatives has quite different traditions in different EU countries. As generations of farmers change, attitudes towards cooperation change, as do the models of cooperation themselves. Young farmers are more open to innovation and the digitalisation of business.

The project partners from Slovakia, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patric Rovny and Ing. Dr. Jana Gálová from the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, presented a practical digital tool – a spreadsheet for young farmers to make informed business decisions. The project coordinating partner from the Czech Republic, Dr. Pavel Kotyza, presented a digital tool for comparing market prices of agricultural products or inputs.

The project partners aim to ensure that the results are not just reported, but used in practice or for further research and shared with students.

The last part of the conference included a young farmers’ panel “Small Farms and Young Farmers – Recommendations for Development”, where young farmers shared their experiences in developing their farms and the activities of the young farmers’ organisations they represent, as well as their insights on the general situation in agriculture, agricultural policy, sustainability, the benefits of cooperation and other issues of relevance to small farms.

On the second day of the meeting, VISYFARM participants walked around the city of Poznan celebrating the St. Martin’s Day and Polish Independence Day, tasted and enjoyed St Martin’s croissants.

CONFERENCE “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2024”

The 21st annual conference of young scientists “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2024” organized by the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) will be held on April 11 2024 remotely. The conference is intended for the first, second and third degree students. The purpose of the conference is to involve students in scientific activities, develop the ability to publicize scientific research results, present their scientific research achievements and discuss topical issues of bioeconomy, green course, climate change, ecosystem sustainability, rational use and protection of natural resources.

There is no conference fee for students. Certificates of conference participants will be awarded to the speakers of the conference.

Speakers will be able to publish articles in the collection of articles of the conference “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2024” or in another scientific publication, for example, in the scientific journal „Agricultural engineering“ or another, after submitting articles that meet the requirements for articles in a scientific publication.

Conference topics	Subtopics
Bioeconomy	Accounting and finance: challenges and opportunities
	Bioeconomy, sustainability of agriculture and food sector
	Innovations and solutions in business logistics
	Management of agri-business and other bioeconomy business organizations
	Sustainable development of rural areas
Biosystems engineering	Energy engineering
	Land management
	Mechanical engineering
	Technology engineering
	Transport engineering
	Water engineering
Sustainability of agricultural, forest, and water ecosystems	Agronomy
	Food quality and safety
	Sustainability of agricultural ecosystems
	Ecosystem services
	Sustainable forestry
	Wildlife population management

Pre-registration for the conference until February 15, 2024.

PROGRAM

Articles for the conference “YOUNG SCIENTIST 2024” are accepted until March 8, 2024. (the link to upload the article). The articles must be prepared according to the recommendations for the authors of the articles (Annex 1_Article template, Annex 2_Authors guarantee letter).

Contests for Teaching and Training Visits under Erasmus+ Programme

International Cooperation Department invites all VMU academic and non-academic staff members to participate in the Erasmus+ contests: the contest for Erasmus+ teaching visits in Programme countries (EU/EEA countries) and the contest for Erasmus+ teaching and training visits in Partner countries (non-EU/EEA countries). The visits will be conducted in the 2023/2024 academic year.

The aim of the teaching visit is to read lectures for students of a university abroad and attract them to study under Erasmus+ at Vytautas Magnus University.

The aim of the training visit is to participate in training events held abroad (except for conferences) or do work internship (observe work, participate in training activities) in universities abroad. This activity encourages professional development of academic and non-academic staff.

The announced contests are:

VMU lecturers and employees are invited to apply for contests until December 1^st. The selection criteria and requirements for applications are provided in the descriptions of the contests.

More information is provided by the VMU International Cooperation Department (erasmus@vdu.lt).

More information about teaching visits

More information about training visits

THE FIRST SUMMER SCHOOL OF SAFEHABITUS PROJECT

Researchers Dr. Anastasija Novikova from the Faculty of Bioeconomy Development and Dr. Gediminas Vasiliauskas from the Faculty of Engineering at Vytautas Magnus University’s Agriculture Academy participated in the first SafeHabitus project’s“ Strengthening Farm Health fnd Safety Knowledge and Innovation Systems ” summer school from September 20 to 22, 2023. This three-day summer school brought together 40 specialists from European Union countries who shared their country’s experience and knowledge on the safety and health of agricultural workers and the challenges they face.

The summer school focused on sharing knowledge and experience of the diversity of challenges faced by farmers across the EU. Whilst many of the risks are similar, e.g., tractors, machinery and livestock, the context in which safe farm practices can be developed and promoted is varied. The main aim of the Summer School was to support the establishment of the ‘Communities of Safe Farm Practice (CoPs) to address these issues, laying a strong foundation for collaborative efforts.

The goal of SafeHabitus CoPs is to empower farm health and safety actors and relevant stakeholders, to increase learning and exchange knowledge, to co-design and pilot practical solutions for occupational health and safety and assess their implications for farmers, farm workers, farm stakeholders and rural communities. Each Communities of Practice will identify and work on specific needs and topics in their national/regional context.

Participants visited the National Ploughing Championships to see different approaches to a range of farm safety and farmer health challenges that have been developed in Ireland. These included meeting with Ms Alma Jordan, a social entrepreneur, who established AgriKids to enhance the safety of children on farms by working with primary schools, to live demonstrations of safe use of farm machinery by the Health and Safety Authority of Ireland. Participants also heard from EmbraceFarm and Macra about programmes that have been developed to support the wellbeing of farmers and farm families.

Erasmus Teaching Visit in Bulgaria

Associated professors dr. Erika Besusparienė and dr. Anastasija Novikova from the Faculty of Bioeconomic Development at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) successfully completed a teaching visit in Bulgaria at the D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, located in Svishtov on the right bank of the Danube River from October 2 to 6, 2023. During this visit, they had the opportunity to collaborate with local colleagues, participate in lectures, and share their knowledge on the importance of bioeconomic development and international trade tax policy.

Assoc. prof. dr. A. Novikova had lectures in the Department of Agricultural Economics, actively sharing her expertise on the significance of bioeconomic development. Her lectures were not only for students but also for teachers of department. She discussed how the bioeconomy sector is becoming increasingly vital and its potential contribution to sustainable economic development. Assoc. prof. dr. A. Novikova engaged with students in discussions on ways to enhance Bulgaria’s agriculture sector for greater economic efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Assoc. prof. dr. E. Besusparienė, who lectured in the Department of Control and Analysis of Economic Activities, focused on international trade tax policy. Her lectures were tailored to help students understand how tax policies impact international trade. She provided a comprehensive overview of different tax measures and their application in international trade. Furthermore, she discussed current issues and recent changes in international trade tax policies, ensuring that students could easily grasp and absorb the information.

Both associated professors also had the opportunity to explore the Customs laboratory class at D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, where special software allows students to submit customs declarations in real-time and simulate real-world business scenarios. This practical experience was invaluable for students, offering them insights into customs procedures.

Additionally, during this teaching visit, detailed discussions took place regarding further collaboration opportunities between institutions that can benefit students, faculty, and researchers from both universities. These discussions laid the foundation for strengthening ties between the two academic institutions.

One of the significant opportunities discussed is student exchanges through the Erasmus program. This presents an excellent opportunity for students from VMU AA Faculty of Bioeconomic Development, particularly those studying Accounting and Finance, Agricultural Economics, or Customs Process Management. These exchanges enable students to experience a different country’s higher education system, gain exposure to different cultures, and acquire valuable international perspectives.

Faculty members can also take advantage of this Erasmus collaboration opportunity. They can exchange knowledge, experience, and teaching methods, contributing to the quality of higher education and fostering international academic cooperation. This allows professors to offer new perspectives and knowledge to their students.

The collaboration can also expand research opportunities for researchers and academics to participate in international projects, conduct scientific research, and contribute to the growth of the international scientific community.

This teaching visit to Bulgaria has opened a remarkable opportunity to strengthen relationships and develop cooperation between the two institutions. It promises to benefit students, faculty, and researchers from both universities. It serves as an excellent example of how international collaboration can promote education and scientific development, helping shape the future vision of higher education.

GOOD PRACTICES OF GREEN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Both researchers and practitioners pay a lot of attention to the search for sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions and their effective implementation. Despite the cultural and economic differences between different countries, it is still easier for scientists to find common agreements on concepts, principles, and tools. In theory, sustainable solutions create competitive advantages for both companies and regions. However, the implementation of green solutions in practice faces different challenges in each country. And their implementation is already becoming more individualized, depending on the natural, economic, cultural and social characteristics of the country or region.

Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy Bioeconomy Development Faculty Researchers prof. dr. V. Atkočiūnienė, assoc. prof. dr. G. Vaznonienė, lecturer dr. I. Kazlauskienė, assoc. prof. dr. J. Zaleckienė and lecturer A. Aleksandravičius participate in the implementation of the international ERASMUS+ project ” Strengthening Key Competencies in Agriculture for Value Chain Knowledge” (2021-1-EL01-KA220-HED-000023289). Faculty researchers – contribute to improving the skills of target beneficiaries (agricultural producers, students) by implementing and promoting the concepts of circular agriculture and green growth.

Project partners: Panepistimio Aigaiou (Greece), Association for Internationalization of Education and Science (The Republic of North Macedonia), Asociația de Dezvoltare Intercomunitară Harghita (Romania) and Distretto Agroalimentare Regionale Scrl (Italy).

7-8 of September took place meeting of project partners in Italy, University of Foggia (Italy). During the meeting, the results of the 4th stage of the project were presented and the guidelines for further work were discussed, the research laboratories and the library were visited. The participants of the meeting got better acquainted with the economic activities, natural, agricultural and tourism resources of the Italian province of Foggia, which are being developed by strengthening cultural identity and achieving sustainability.

More than 59 million of the population, of which about 10 percent consists of villagers living in Italy. About 3.8 percent of all employees work in agriculture, they develop about 1145 thousand farms. Small farmers’ farms predominate, as in many EU countries, and there is an aging trend of farmers. The number of organic farms in Italy is one of the largest in Europe. According to this indicator, Italy is fourth among EU countries and eighth in the world. According to Eurostat, certified organic areas in Italy accounted for 15.2% of the total area. Italy’s organic areas have been growing since 2012 and their number almost doubled during the 2000-2018 period.

Farmers sell products grown in Italy through different channels, both to processors of agricultural production and through agricultural cooperatives. Direct sales at farmers’ farms or open-air markets are very popular in this country. We had to visit one during this visit to the Umbra forest. This forest is a nature reserve, a protected area of the Gargano National Park. Due to its high biological and ecological value, since 2017 it has been included in the UNESCO heritage.

The implementation of sustainable solutions is relevant not only in agriculture, but also in other areas of economic activity. Tourism is one of the most important branches of the Italian economy. During the visit, the sea resort of Vjeste was visited, which received Blue Flags for the purity of its waters. This city is quite far from the big Italian cities. This allows us to say that it is possible to implement sustainable solutions in remote, smaller towns and rural areas over a long period of time, but it is quite difficult to implement it in larger places visited by tourists en masse. But this is a problem for the whole world, not just Italy.

After the project partners meeting, it was confirmed once again the significance of the project results of the set of tools, which is being prepared to help farmers, students and other interested parties achieve their professional goals, develop green skills, implement modern technologies and best practices, optimize production processes in the context of sustainability. The training program and tool guide will be developed based on the analysis of the needs and situation of the participating countries, applying the value chain method, in order to strengthen the links between tourism and agriculture, and help agricultural producers to farm more efficiently and sustainably.